Restraining Orders

The judge may wish to ask you questions as s/he reviews your petition. If you are applying for a temporary ex parte order, a judge will decide whether there is an immediate danger that the abuser will commit family violence based on the facts included in your application. If so, you may get a temporary order that usually lasts up to 20 days. Before getting a permanent order, you need to have a full court hearing where the abuser has the opportunity to be present and both you and the abuser have an opportunity to present evidence and testimony.