How to Win an Order of Protection Hearing
Domestic abuse is something that is taken very seriously in the United States. If you or your children feel that you are being abused, it is important that you file for an order of protection. Winning a hearing is not that difficult, however, proper documentation can help expedite the process.
- Go to your local courthouse and file for an order of protection. Some states have a couple different types of protection so make sure that you fill out the correct paperwork. The process for filing is different in every state, but usually you will have to fill out a petition, an affidavit, and a temporary order. This is where you will explain what kind of protection you need and for whom.
- Gather documentation such as hospital reports, police reports, and pictures of damage done to property or self, and anything that you may be able to use to win your petition. If you can find a witness of the action that you feel you need protection from that will be helpful too.
- Go before the judge. At the hearing, you will more than likely be asked to testify about the abuse and answer questions about why you feel that you should be granted an order of protection. If the judge agrees to grant you your petition, you will be given a more permanent order of protection, which a copy of will also be given to local law enforcement.
- Wait for the order to be served. Until the person that you need protection from gets the order, they cannot legally be violation of it.
- If you wish to extend your order, attend a full court hearing. This could win you an order of protection for months or even years.