Restraining Orders
Types of Restraining Orders
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A restraining order is a way to use the courts to protect yourself and your family from abuse and harassment. There are different types of orders depending on the circumstances and relationship you have with the person you would like restrained. Please refer to the table below and follow the links for more information and the appropriate forms.
Effective July 1, 2023, Domestic Violence and Gun Violence restraining order petitions may be submitted electronically. Learn more here.
People Involved |
Order Required |
|---|---|
| A neighbor, roommate, friend, or someone you are not closely related to. | |
| Someone you have/ had a close relationship with, such as a family member, spouse, or someone you dated. | |
| Someone over 65, or a dependent adult who is a victim of physical or financial abuse, neglect or abandonment, treatment that has physically or mentally hurt them, or deprivation (withholding) by a caregiver of basic things or services. |
|
| An employer on behalf of an employee who needs protection from suffering unlawful violence or credible threats of violence at the workplace. | |
| Someone you worry about due to having guns and being dangerous to themselves or others that can prohibit someone from having a gun, ammunition or magazines. |
Fee Waiver
In most cases, you will be required to pay a fee to file papers with the court. Filing fees are set by the Statewide Civil Fee Schedule. If you can’t afford the filing fee, you can ask the court for a “fee waiver” in order to file for free.
Family Law Facilitator
The Family Law Facilitator is available to provide procedural assistance to people who are representing themselves in family court. If you need to file a Domestic Violence Restraining Order, they are available to help you.
Please see the Self-Help page for contact information.