Getting an Order of Protection

In order to be able to file for an order of protection, two conditions must be met.  First, your relationship with the defendant must be an intimate or family relationship.  The defendant must be:

§  Your current or former spouse

§  Someone you live with or have lived with

§  A relative or your spouse's relative

§  A person that you have had a child with or have a child in common with

Second, you must prove that domestic violence has been committed.  Examples of domestic violence include:  assault, criminal damage, physical abuse, endangerment, kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, disorderly conduct, trespassing, stalking or any crimes against children.

 If these two conditions are met, you may be able to seek an order of protection from local law enforcement.  Should you need assistance with obtaining an order, it is a wise idea to hire a family law attorney that can expedite the process on your behalf.