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Legal Information: Arizona

Restraining Orders

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Updated: 
October 28, 2020

Can I get an order of protection against a minor?

Maybe, but there are special considerations involved.

Where the abuser is a minor (under 18), you need to petition the court naming the minor as the defendant.  You cannot name the minor’s parent, guardian or the person who has legal custody as the defendant.

Additionally, when the abuser is under the age of 16, you must serve the appropriate court paperwork, to the abuser and his/her parent, guardian or the person who has legal custody of the abuser.  For more information on serving a defendant/abuser, see Steps for getting an order of protection.

Only the juvenile division of the superior court may issue a protective order against a defendant who is under the age of 12.1

1 A.R.S. § 13-3602(B)(2)

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