How to File an Harassment Restraining Order
If you have been harassed or threatened by someone to the point that you feel intimidated, you should file for a harassment restraining order. This type of order will legally prevent this person from contacting you or coming near you while the order is active.
- Consult with the local police department or the attorney of your choice to help you decide if a restraining order is the right course of action for you to take. You need to be sure that you have been harassed and threatened in a manner that a judge will feel that a restraining order is necessary to protect you from the person in question.
- Visit the clerk’s office in the local court house that covers the area where you reside. Let them know that you would like to file for a harassment restraining order. You will be provided with all of the paperwork that is needed to submit your request to the courts.
- Fill out all paperwork as honestly as you can. Make sure that you fill in all areas of the paperwork. If the field does not apply to you, simply enter "N/A" into the appropriate field.
- Turn in your completed paperwork to the clerk’s office. They will let you know what court room you need to go to as well as what time harassment restraining orders are being heard by a judge.
- Wait for your name to be called and then step up to the podium that is located in front of the judge. You will be accompanied by a state attorney that will be representing you.
- Answer any questions that the judge asks you openly and honestly.