Our built-in tools help you complete, sign, share, and store your documents in one place.
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.
Sign and collect signatures with our SignNow integration. Send to multiple recipients, set reminders, and more. Go Premium to unlock E-Sign.
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.
We protect your documents and personal data by following strict security and privacy standards.

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.

Sign and collect signatures with our SignNow integration. Send to multiple recipients, set reminders, and more. Go Premium to unlock E-Sign.

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.

We protect your documents and personal data by following strict security and privacy standards.
Step 1: Go to the courthouse and get the necessary forms. Step 2: Fill out the forms. Step 3: A judge will review your petition and may give you an ex parte temporary order.
If the judge or referee believes you have adequately established the elements of a restraining order (more on that below), it can issue a temporary restraining order. If the order is issued without notifying the other person, it's called an ex parte order.
Your affidavit should say when and how the defendant abused you and why you are afraid of the defendant. Start with the most recent incident that is making you afraid. Often, the first question that a judge will ask you is what happened that day that made you come into court to ask for a restraining order.
Keep in mind that you will generally not be able to remain anonymous when seeking a restraining order, in part because the perpetrator will need to be informed of whom they are restrained from contacting.
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).
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.
Contact the court: Reach out to the local courthouse in your area and inquire about any protection orders filed against you. Provide them with your personal information, such as your name and address, to check if there are any records.
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 affidavit is your written statement about why you are afraid of the abusive person and need a restraining order.