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.
One of the primary restrictions imposed by a restraining order in California is prohibiting any form of contact between the individual subject to the order and the protected person.
Step 1: Go to court to get the petition. Step 2: Fill out the necessary forms and file them with the clerk. Step 3: Go in front of the judge for the ex parte hearing. Step 4: Service of process. Step 5: The final PFA hearing.
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.
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.
A judge will hear all of the evidence and decide whether to extend your TRO beyond 180 days. If the judge believes that a final order of protection should be issued, s/he will grant you an order that can last for as long as s/he determines is necessary.
If you are facing severe online abuse, you may be able to request that a judge issue a restraining order to prevent the perpetrator from further harassing you. Restraining orders can provide a concrete remedy against persistent online abuse.