Restraining Orders

Read the instructions and the petition carefully and ask questions to the clerk or to an advocate who may be helping you fill out the papers if you don’t understand something. You will be the “petitioner” and the abuser is the “respondent.”

Follow the instructions provided in the petition to describe your circumstances to the court. In the space provided, describe in detail how the abuser (respondent) injured or threatened you. Explain when and where the abuse or threats occurred. Write about the most recent incidents of violence, using descriptive language (slapping, hitting, grabbing, choking, threatening, etc.) that fits your situation. Be specific.
Include details and dates, if you can.

Some courts will provide an instruction form for you to fill out that advises law enforcement how to find the abuser to serve him/her with an order of protection. If you are provided such a form, fill it out as completely as possible.

Do not sign the application until you have shown it to a clerk. The form must be signed in front of a notary public or a judge. There are notaries and judges at the courthouse. .