Legal Information: North Carolina

Restraining Orders

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Updated: 
February 14, 2022

Step 4: Preparing for the domestic violence protective order hearing.

As the plaintiff requesting a DVPO, you must prove that the defendant has committed acts of domestic violence (as defined by the law) against you or your children.

See the At the Hearing section for ways you can show the judge that you were abused. You can learn more about the court system in our Preparing for Court – By Yourself section. It is generally recommended to have an attorney at the hearing. If you need to ask the judge for a continuance (more time) to find a lawyer, the continuance will be limited to one extension of no more than 10 days unless all parties consent or you can show “good cause” for extending it longer.1

1 NCGS § 50B-2(c)(5)

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