WomensLaw is not just for women. We serve and support all survivors, no matter their sex or gender.

Important: Even if courts are closed, you can still file for a protection order and other emergency relief. See our FAQ on Courts and COVID-19.

Legal Information: Indiana

Statutes: Indiana

View all
Updated: 
October 8, 2019

IC 34-26-5-4 Jurisdiction to issue order; filing of petition; residency requirement

Sec. 4. (a) Any court of record has jurisdiction to issue a civil order for protection.

(b) A petition for an order for protection must be filed in the county in which the:

(1) petitioner currently or temporarily resides;

(2) respondent resides; or

(3) domestic or family violence or harassment occurred.

(c) There is no minimum residency requirement to petition for an order for protection.(d) If a court has jurisdiction over an action that relates to the subject matter of the requested civil order for protection under section 2(b) or 2(c)(3) of this chapter, either because of an action pending in that court or in the exercise of the court’s continuing jurisdiction, the petitioner must file the petition for an order for protection in that court.

Legal Information

© 2008–2020 WomensLaw.org is a project of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, Inc. All rights reserved. This website is funded in part through a grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). NNEDV is a 501©(3) non-profit organization; EIN 52-1973408.