Orders of Protection

If you or someone you love has been the victim of repeated harassment, sexual abuse or domestic violence, it is time to take action. The law has made a way for innocent victims to seek refuge from those causing them harm through an order of protection. A person may petition for an order of protection from the court to prohibit contact between the petitioner and the harasser or abuser, also known as the respondent.

The procedures for filing an order of protection may differ depending on your situation and the state that you live in. An order of protection prohibits the responder from attempting any form of contact with the petitioner or members of the petitioner's household. Sometimes, an order of protection for harassment may require the petitioner to pay a small fee. If you and your children have been the victims of domestic violence, you may file for a domestic violence order of protection. If the respondent fails to honor the order of protection, he or she may be arrested and/or receive penalties for the violation.

Even though an order of protection is a helpful tool to end the risk of harassment or domestic violence, it cannot provide absolute protection to the petitioner. Orders of protection are usually issued for a duration of two years, but the judge has the discretion to set the time of the protective order for as much or as little time as he or she thinks is appropriate.

If you are going through a divorce during the time that you choose to file for an order of protection, you need to file in the same court in which your divorce case is pending. As a petitioner, you have the right to request that the judge create a modification to your order of protection, such as allowing contact between you and the respondent for the purpose of child visitation. Whatever your situation may be, a family law attorney can provide you with caring legal counsel to help you make the best decision for your family.

Find a family law attorney in your area to help with an order of protection.