This is a Complaint pleading for use in litigation of the title matter. Adapt this form to comply with your facts and circumstances, and with your specific state law. Not recommended for use by non-attorneys.
This is a Complaint pleading for use in litigation of the title matter. Adapt this form to comply with your facts and circumstances, and with your specific state law. Not recommended for use by non-attorneys.
Requirements for a protective order for domestic violence to be issued include establishing that family violence has occurred and is likely to occur again without such an order. The burden of proof for this involves what's known as a “preponderance of evidence” favoring the accuser.
California law defines abuse as any act that puts you, your children, or another person in immediate fear of injury, as well as any act that causes harm to you or your property. If such harm exists, you can file a request for an order to keep the abuser away.
A significant change in circumstances, such as improved behavior, completion of anger management or counseling programs, or evidence that the risk of violence has diminished, may provide grounds for seeking the dismissal of a restraining order.
Lack of Jurisdiction The respondent can argue that the court does not have jurisdiction to issue a restraining order. This defense can be raised, for instance, if the alleged incidents of domestic violence or harassment did not occur within the jurisdiction of the court.
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.
Using the facts of the incident only, keep your statement brief and to the point. Briefly describe the most recent incident of abuse and/or threats of abuse or other behaviors. Focus on the actual behavior. Do not include prior incidents, (that will be the next paragraph).
In most cases, a Protective Order will last up to 2 years. There are some situations where a court can issue an order that lasts longer than 2 years. Although you may file these forms without having a lawyer, you are encouraged to get a lawyer to help you in this process.
If you are seeking a family violence Protective Order, the law requires that you prove family violence has occurred and family violence is likely to occur in the future. If you are seeking a stalking Protective Order, the law requires that you prove that there are reasonable grounds that you are the victim of stalking.
A protective order is only available for people who have experienced dating or family violence and it can lead to criminal penalties (the Respondent/violator can be arrested) if violated. A restraining order can be ordered by a court for many different types of situations and only has civil penalties if violated.