Restraining Orders

In general, in most states, protection orders may be available to the public if someone goes to the courthouse to seek out the records. However, if certain information is kept confidential (like a confidential address), this information should not be available to the public (including the respondent). Also, there is generally an option that a party can apply to the court to get them sealed and then it is up to the judge whether or not s/he agrees to seal them. However, some states do have rules and regulations that limit the public’s ability to view the information. For example, some states may only allow a party or the attorney of record to view the file, requesting photo ID to prove one’s identity. Other states will have the order available online but only show the parties’ names and the general disposition (outcome) of the case such as “order still valid,” “order modified,” etc. In order to find out what the policy is for a specific court and what the process is for asking the record to be sealed (if it turns out to be open to the public), you may want to call the courthouse to ask. Here is a link to our courthouse locations page with court contact information: LINK

One thing to note is that the federal law VAWA says that states that create protection order registries should not make them available to the public on the Internet. However, although that is written into the law, it is my understanding from consulting with an attorney who is very knowledgeable about VAWA that this is rarely implemented and violations of it are never enforced.

Here is some information about protection orders in STATE if you want to read more about them: LINK And here is a link for legal assistance, some of which may be free or low-cost if you qualify: LINK