Restraining Orders

When you have filed the forms with the clerk of court, s/he will bring them to the judge. If the judge believes there is an immediate and present danger of domestic violence and abuse, s/he may give you an emergency protective order (EPO). An EPO will last for 14 days, until your full court hearing.¹ When you get your order, you will be told when your next court date is.

Even if the judge denies you an EPO, s/he can still decide to give you a hearing date. That can happen if the judge believes that domestic violence and abuse exist, even if s/he did not believe you were in immediate danger. Your hearing will take place within 14 days of the day you filed your petition.² At the hearing, you and the abuser will both have a chance to present evidence to the judge.

¹ Ky. Rev. Stat. § 403.730(1)(a), (2)(a)
² Ky. Rev. Stat. § 403.730(1)(a)