Restraining Orders

Anyone, an adult or a minor, can get an order of protection against a minor, which is someone who is under age 17. Unlike most states, in Missouri, age 17 is considered to be an adult.¹ An ex parte order of protection or an order of protection for a child can be issued against a minor in circuit court and then the case will be transferred to juvenile court for the hearing on a full order of protection.² The judge will appoint a guardian ad litem for any minor respondent who is not represented by a parent or guardian.³

Note: If you are serving an order against a minor, you would serve the minor’s custodial parent, guardian, or guardian ad litem. The court papers will say that the parent or guardian must appear in court and bring the minor-respondent to court at the time and place stated. However, if the minor is emancipated, then you would serve him/her.⁴

¹ MO ST § 455.010(3)
² MO ST §§ 455.035(3); 455.513(4)
³ MO ST § 455.035(3)
⁴ MO ST § 455.035(2)