How to Get an Order of Protection
An order of protection is a legal document that is filed by one person against another for a variety of different reasons. This document is also often referred to as a restraining order. A judge signs the order which will state the exact stipulations including the distance that needs to be kept between the two parties.
- Visit the local county clerk's office. Ask for an order of protection form and fill it out. It is also a good idea to contact the authorities and tell them of your plans to apply for a restraining order.
- Gather the documentation and proofs that you will need. These include witness statements, police reports, photos and discharge papers from the emergency room, urgent care or physician office.
- Attend the hearing. You will receive notice in the mail about 2 weeks after you have filed your paperwork giving you a court date. This is when you supply the judge with the proof of abuse.
- Request additional protection at the hearing. If you have children, you can also ask the judge to include the children in the request as well. If the other party has custody rights, you can request that these rights be revoked or have limitations on them.
- Make copies of your protection order. Once you are granted the restraining order, you should make several copies of it. If children are involved, you will need to submit a copy to the school so that they know that the other person is prohibited from picking the child up from school.
- Report all violations to the order. If the other party breaks the restraining order by coming into contact with you or the children, you need to call the police immediately.