Protective orders
If you're afraid of someone at home
You deserve to feel safe where you live. You don't have to do this on your own.
If you're in danger right now
Call 911. For confidential support any time, day or night, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
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How I help
A protective order is a court order that tells someone to stay away from you and stop contacting you. I help people ask for one, prepare for the hearing, and plan what comes after: the children, the home, and a divorce or custody case if you need one.
What asking for an order looks like
The details differ from court to court. These are the steps most people go through.
- 01
Step 1: We talk, safely
By phone or video, at a time and number that's safe for you. You tell me what's happened and what you need.
- 02
Step 2: We file the petition
I help you write down what happened, clearly and in order. A judge may grant a temporary order until the hearing.
- 03
Step 3: The papers are served
Law enforcement delivers them. You don't have to, and you don't have to see the other person.
- 04
Step 4: The hearing
I prepare you, sit beside you and speak for you. If you'd rather wait apart from the other person, I'll ask the court.
- 05
Step 5: After the order
We plan for what's next, including the children and the home.
Questions about protective orders
Can an order cover my children?
Often it can, and a judge can make short-term decisions about where the children live. Tell me what you need and we'll ask for it.
What if they break the order?
Call 911. Breaking a protective order is a crime, and the police can act on it. Then let me know, so we can tell the court.
Will I have to see them in court?
They have the right to come to the hearing. I'll be with you the whole time, and you won't have to speak to them directly.
I've been served with an order. Can you help?
Yes. Follow the order exactly, even if you think it's unfair, and call me before the hearing date on the papers.
Reach me when it's safe to
Call from a phone that's safe for you, or send a short note with the best time and way to reach you. I won't leave a message that says what the call is about unless you tell me it's safe.
If you're in danger now, call 911.