Maybe. If you get an order of protection against the other parent, it may include temporary custody and/or temporary visitation. Be sure to tell the judge that you want custody during your order of protection hearing so that the judge can take your request into consideration.

When your order of protection expires, temporary custody expires with it. You can ask a judge to extend your temporary custody order if it’s necessary.

However, if you have a custody case open somewhere else when you apply for an order of protection, the judge hearing your case will likely not be able to deal with the custody issue.

For more information, see Domestic Violence Orders of Protection.