Protective Orders
A protective order is a court paper that tells someone who hurt or threatened you to stop and stay away. You can ask for one, and it is free.
Also available in اردو, हिन्दी, বাংলা, and ਪੰਜਾਬੀ.
Three things to know
If you only read one section, read this one.
Protective orders are for everyone in the United States. You do not need to be a citizen or have papers to ask.
Asking for a protective order is free, and you can do it yourself, in your own words, without a lawyer.
You can ask the court for a free interpreter so you can tell your story in your own language.
What does the law say?
The rules, in everyday words.
A judge can order real protection
A civil protective order, sometimes called a restraining order, can order the abuser to stay away from you, leave a shared home, and stop all contact. In many states it can also give you temporary custody of your children.
You can apply on your own, for free
Courts do not charge a fee to file for a domestic violence protective order. You do not need a lawyer, a police report, or any immigration papers to ask a judge for protection.
Emergency orders come first, then a hearing
A judge can give you a temporary order the same day, often without the abuser present. A court hearing follows, usually within weeks, where both sides speak and the judge can grant a longer final order.
Breaking the order is a crime
If the abuser contacts you or comes near you after the order, that violates it, meaning they broke a court rule. Police can arrest them, and in every state a violation can bring criminal charges.
What can I do next?
- 1If you are in danger now, call 911 You can call 911 no matter where you were born or your immigration status. Ask for an interpreter if you need one. If it is not safe to talk, some areas let you text 911.
- 2Learn your state's exact steps Visit WomensLaw.org and choose your state. It explains, in plain language, which court to go to, which forms to use, and what a judge will ask.
- 3Go to your local courthouse Ask the court clerk, the office worker who handles forms, for protective order papers. Write what happened in your own words, with dates. Many courts can decide on a temporary order that same day.
- 4Gather your proof Save threatening texts, voicemails, photos of injuries, and medical or police records if you have them. Proof helps, but your own true story, told clearly, is also evidence.
- 5Go to your hearing and keep your order close Attend the court date, or a temporary order can end. Bring your proof and a support person. Afterward, carry a copy of the order and give one to your children's school.
Who can help for free?
Real people, no cost, and interpreters are available when you ask.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Free, confidential support 24/7 in over 200 languages, with safety planning and local referrals.
WomensLaw.org
Plain-language protective order guides for every state, plus a free email hotline for legal questions.