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The 4th Judicial District
Protection from Abuse Information

Forms are available below

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GENERAL INFORMATION
FOR THOSE SEEKING A PROTECTION FROM ABUSE ORDER

  1. Before you can get a Protection from Abuse Order you and the person you want restrained must be intimate partners or household members. This means you and the person you want restrained must meet one of the following requirements:
    a. You are in a dating relationship (a social relationship of a romantic nature);
    b. You have been in a dating relationship in the past;
    c. You are living together;
    d. You have lived together in the past; or
    e. You have had a child in common.

    OR if you are seeking protection of a minor child, the child and the person you want restrained must be intimate partners or household members. This means the child and the person you want restrained must meet one of the above requirements.

  2. Abuse must have occurred. This means that one of the following has occurred:
    a. The person physically hurt you or a minor child on purpose.
    b. The person tried to physically hurt you or a minor child.
    c. The person recently threatened to physically hurt you or a minor child.
    d. The person engaged in sexual conduct (touching or sexual intercourse) with a minor child under 16 years of age.

  3. You may file only two petitions for a Protection from Abuse Order in one calendar year, unless you are filing the petition on behalf of a minor child who has been abused.

  4. You should be available to testify at future hearings as set by the judge. If you fail to appear, the case may be dismissed.

  5. Legal help may be available through your private attorney or legal services.

  6. A Final Protection from Abuse Order will expire after one year or on the date stated in the order, unless you request an extension or modification from the court.

  7. If you are the defendant, and you want an order restraining the plaintiff from abuse, you must file a counter petition.

Protection from Abuse - Forms

Civil Information Sheet - PDF | Word Perfect | RTF

General Information for those seeking a Protection from Abuse Order - PDF | Word Perfect | RTF

Protection from Abuse Confidential Form - PDF | Word Perfect | RTF

Information for Law Enforcement - PDF | Word Perfect | RTF

Petition for Protective Order - PDF | Word Perfect | RTF

Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit - PDF | Word Perfect | RTF (if there are children involved)

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Page updated: April 13, 2007