Restraining Orders

You can file for an order for protection against any of the following family or household members who have committed domestic abuse against you or your minor child:

• your spouse or former spouse;
• your parent;
• your child;
• someone related to you by blood;
• someone with whom you live/lived;
• someone with whom you have a child in common;
• someone with whom you are expecting a child;
• someone with whom you have/had a significant romantic or sexual relationship.¹

Note: If you are a “reputable adult” who is at least 25 years old, you can file on behalf of a minor who is a family or household member of yours but not your biological child.²

A minor child who is age 16 or older can file on his/her own behalf against a spouse or former spouse, or a person with whom the minor has a child in common - but the judge must believe that the minor has “sufficient maturity and judgment” to file on his/her own and that it is in the best interests of the minor to allow the minor to file. All other minors must have a parent, guardian, or a “reputable adult” in his/her household file on their behalf.²

If you do not qualify for an order for protection, you may be able to file for a Harassment Restraining Order.

¹ Minn. Stat. § 518B.01(2)(b)
² Minn. Stat. § 518B.01(4)(a)