An Illinois Order of Protection — Verified Petition is a form of legal protection issued by a court to protect a person from abuse, harassment, stalking, or other forms of violence. It sets forth a binding agreement between the parties in which the respondent (the person causing the harm) must abide by certain conditions in order to protect the petitioner (the person seeking protection). Commonly referred to as a “restraining order” or “protective order,” an Illinois Order of Protection is available to anyone in the State of Illinois who is a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence, stalking, or harassment. The Illinois Order of Protection — Verified Petition consists of two forms: the Petition for Order of Protection and the Verified Petition for Order of Protection. The Petition for Order of Protection is a form to be completed by the petitioner, which establishes the facts and circumstances of the alleged abuse or violence and requests the court to issue an Order of Protection. The Verified Petition for Order of Protection is a form to be completed by the petitioner's attorney, and must be signed in front of a notary. The types of Illinois Order of Protection — Verified Petition available are Emergency Orders of Protection, Interim Orders of Protection, Plenary Orders of Protection, and Civil No Contact Orders. Emergency Orders of Protection are issued without notice to the respondent and can be granted for up to 21 days. Interim Orders of Protection are issued with notice to the respondent and can be granted for up to 30 days. Plenary Orders of Protection can be granted for up to two years, and Civil No Contact Orders are issued when the respondent and petitioner are not in a domestic relationship.