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Make edits, fill in missing information, and update formatting in US Legal Forms—just like you would in MS Word.

Download a copy, print it, send it by email, or mail it via USPS—whatever works best for your next step.

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If this form requires notarization, complete it online through a secure video call—no need to meet a notary in person or wait for an appointment.

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After the hearing, a judge can issue a protective order that lasts up to 18 months, and can later be renewed after a hearing in front of a judge. The parts of the protective order that tell the abuser to not abuse, harass, or interfere with you can last forever.
The specific elements you need to prove to get a restraining order vary from state to state, but in general, you need to show: A specific instance or instances of abuse or harassment (such as sexual assault by an intimate partner) The threat of violence or of further abusive behavior or harassment.
If the judge decides that there was abuse and that there is also a credible threat to the plaintiff's safety, a final order of protection will be granted and will last for up to one year.
If you are granted an emergency PFA, your order will expire the next business day. If you want continuing protection, you must go to the courthouse the next business day. A final hearing will be scheduled within ten (10) business days after the Petition is filed and any Temporary Order is issued.
In summary, protective orders are associated with criminal cases and are used to prevent acts of family violence, while restraining orders are associated with civil case proceedings and are more broad, often applying to both parties involved in the case.
First, you must obtain a temporary restraining order (TRO). The TRO lasts up to 14 days. It will state the date and time you must return to make the order permanent (the permanent hearing). Second, you must return to court on the date indicated on the TRO for the court to issue a permanent restrain- ing order (PRO).