Who Can Obtain a Restraining Order?

There are several reasons why a court can and will issue a restraining order, a primary reason being to protect someone who has been the victim of domestic violence. If your spouse, or a current or former household member, abuses you, and you are at least 18 years of age or an emancipated minor, then you can claim domestic violence.

This also pertains to those persons who claim to be the mother of father of your child, when the pregnancy has been carried to full term. If they threaten to or have hurt you in the past, a court can deem this to be domestic violence as well.

A restraining order can protect you against someone who has or continues to threaten, harass, or physically harm you. It orders them not to come within a certain distance of where you are, including your home and workplace. While this is a civil order given out by the court system, it does not give the recipient a permanent criminal record.

If you are in need of a restraining order or order of protection, now is the time to get a family lawyer involved.