Need Protection?  Your Choices ....

Restraining Orders are only issued by the Superior Court.  However, you may obtain one of the following at the Justice Court.

Who:    You may file against a person  with whom you now or formerly lived with; or with whom you have a child in common; or are related by blood as a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, brother or sister or by marriage as a parent-in-law, grandparent-in-law, stepchild, step-grandchild, brother-in-law or sister-in-law.

What:    Protection from domestic violence or threats of domestic violence.

When:    Violence or threats of violence occurred within the past 12 months.  However, the time the person was incarcerated or out-of-state is not counted.

Orders of Protection are enforceable by law enforcement for a period of one year.

Ask the clerk for an Order of Protection.

Who:    You may file against any person who is harassing you, who is over the age of twelve (12) years. (If under twelve years old, file the petition in the juvenile division of the Superior Court.)

What:    Harassment is a series of acts over a period of time, which have no legitimate purpose, and which seriously annoys, harasses or alarms a reasonable  person. Remember there must be a series of events.

When:    Acts have occurred within the past 12 months. However, the time the person was incarcerated or out-of-state is not counted. 

Injunctions Prohibiting Harassment are enforceable by law enforcement for a period of one year.

Ask the clerk for an Injunction Prohibiting Harassment.

Who:    A business, or an authorized agent of a business or employer may file against any person who is perpetrating harassment at the workplace,  who is over the age of twelve (12) years. (If under twelve years old, file the petition in the juvenile division of the Superior Court.)

What:    Harassment is a series of acts over a period of time, which have no legitimate purpose, and which seriously annoys or alarms a reasonable  person.

When:    Acts have occurred within the past 12 months. However, the time the person was incarcerated or out-of-state is not counted. 

Injunctions Prohibiting Harassment are enforceable by law enforcement for a period of one year.

Ask the clerk for an Injunction Prohibiting Workplace Harassment or click for online forms.

Filing:    There is not a fee for filing protective orders in the Justice Courts.

Service:    If the Judge grants your petition, you must make arrangements and pay for the delivery of  Injunctions Prohibiting Harassment. There is no fee for service by the court of Orders of Protection. If you are indigent, you may file a written request to waive or defer these fees.

If you are in immediate danger, file a report with the local police or sheriff.  If you are a victim of domestic violence, call the toll-free hotline 1-800-799-7233 or 1-800-782-6400.  Otherwise consult an attorney.