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Legal Information: Colorado

Restraining Orders

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Updated: 
October 13, 2023

Can a minor file for a domestic violence protection order?

It is not clear according to Colorado law if a minor victim of abuse can file for his/her own order without a parent.  For minors under 18, a parent or guardian can file for the protection order.1  If a parent or guardian is not available, it may be possible to have someone else apply on the minor’s behalf but you may want to check your court’s clerk’s office to make sure they would accept a petition brought by an adult who is not the parent or guardian.  You may want to contact a domestic violence organization or a court clerk for more information on minors requesting protective orders.  See CO Advocates and Shelters and CO Courthouse Locations for contact information.

Note: You cannot get a protective order against someone who is under 10 years old.2

1 Colo. Rev. Stat.§ 13-14-101(2.2); see Colorado Rules of County Court Civil Procedure Rule 317(C)
2 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-14-104.5(1)(a)