What is an Order of Protection?

An Order of Protection is a civil legal document given by the court which help protect you from physical violence, threats, destruction of property, being held hostage, being put in fear of bodily harm, or stalking. It can last for one year.

What can an Order of Protection do?

It orders your batterer not to bother you, not to make contact with you either directly or indirectly; it can make your batterer move or pay for another place for you and your children to live; give you temporary custody of your children; give you support money for yourself and/or the minor children you have together, and order your batterer into counseling.

What is an Ex Parte Order?

An Ex Parte Order is a temporary order that is given to you when you file for your Order of Protection. This order is good for approximately two weeks and is intended to give you immediate protection. This order is intended to protect you during the time period when your batterer is first served with the Ex Parte Order and his notice for appearing in court for the final Order of Protection.  You should keep a certified copy of this order with you at all times.