If you are in immediate danger, call 911 now. Your safety comes first.
When the immediate crisis has passed, a domestic violence protective order lawyer can help you get a court order that keeps an abuser away. Protective orders, also called restraining orders or orders of protection, can order someone to stay away, stop contacting you and leave a shared home.
Courts move quickly in these cases. Many grant temporary orders the same day you file. However, the petition must be clear and specific. Therefore, this guide explains how protective orders work, what to include in your petition, and how to prepare for the full hearing.
Types of protective orders
Most states offer several levels of protection. An emergency protective order may be issued by a judge at the request of police, often outside court hours. It usually lasts only a few days.
A temporary order, often called an ex parte order, is issued after you file a petition. The judge reviews your statement without the other party present. If the judge finds reasonable grounds, the order takes effect once served.
The final order
Next comes a full hearing, usually within a few weeks. Both sides can present evidence. If the judge grants a final order, it may last a year or longer, depending on the state. Moreover, many states allow renewal if the danger continues.
Some states also have orders for stalking or harassment between people who are not family or partners. A protective order consultation identifies which order fits your situation.
What a protective order can include
A protective order can require the abuser to stay a set distance from you, your home, work and children's school. It can also ban all contact, including texts, calls and social media.
Additionally, many orders can grant temporary custody of children, exclusive use of the home and temporary support. Furthermore, federal and state laws often restrict firearm possession by people subject to qualifying protective orders.
Children and protective orders
If children have witnessed or experienced abuse, ask for temporary custody in the petition. Courts take child safety seriously. Our emergency custody consultation and guide to child custody disputes explain how custody and protection orders interact.
Writing a strong petition
The petition tells the judge what happened. Be specific. Include dates, places, what was said or done, and any injuries. Describe the most recent incident first, then earlier incidents that show a pattern.
Attach evidence where you have it. Examples include photos of injuries, threatening messages, police reports and medical records. Moreover, list witnesses who saw or heard the abuse.
Keep it factual
Judges read many petitions. Calm, factual statements are the most persuasive. Avoid exaggeration, because inconsistencies may be used against you at the hearing. Our Restraining Order Petition service starts at $79 and drafts the petition and supporting declaration for your state's forms.
Preparing for the full hearing
At the full hearing, the judge decides whether to issue a longer-term order. You will need to explain what happened and present your evidence. The other party may deny the allegations or present their own account.
Prepare an organized folder. Include the petition, evidence in date order, and a short list of points to make. Additionally, bring witnesses if they can attend. A sworn affidavit from a witness who cannot attend may also help, depending on court rules.
Safety on the day
Ask the court about safety arrangements. Many courthouses have separate waiting areas or advocates who can accompany you. Consequently, you do not have to sit near the other party.
If a protective order has been filed against you
Being served with a protective order is serious. Violating it, even accidentally, can lead to arrest. Therefore, follow its terms exactly, even if you believe the allegations are false.
Next, prepare for the hearing. Gather evidence that contradicts the claims, such as messages, witness statements or location records. A domestic violence defense consultation helps you respond effectively. Moreover, if criminal charges are possible, read our guide to assault charge defense.
Our Protective Orders services in the USA
Every service below has a fixed price, is prepared by a qualified attorney and is delivered online — wherever you are in the USA. Additionally, you can upload evidence, message your attorney and track progress from your secure client dashboard.
Restraining / Protective Order Petition in the USA
Petition and declaration for a civil harassment or domestic violence protective order.
Moreover, it is usually ready in 2 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Restraining / Protective Order Petition — from $79 See what's included →
Protective-order consultation in the USA
A confidential 45–60 minute phone or video consultation with a licensed US attorney about getting or responding to a protective (restraining) order. Get straight answers on your rights, options, risks and likely costs, and a clear plan for your next steps.
It includes 45–60 minute call with a licensed US attorney — phone, video or WhatsApp, upload documents beforehand so your attorney is prepared, your rights, options, risks and likely costs in plain English. Moreover, it is usually ready in 1 working day. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Protective-order consultation — $299 See what's included →
Domestic-violence legal consultation in the USA
A confidential 45–60 minute phone or video consultation with a licensed US attorney about your safety and legal options after domestic violence. Get straight answers on your rights, options, risks and likely costs, and a clear plan for your next steps.
It includes 45–60 minute call with a licensed US attorney — phone, video or WhatsApp, upload documents beforehand so your attorney is prepared, your rights, options, risks and likely costs in plain English. Moreover, it is usually ready in 1 working day. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Domestic-violence legal consultation — $299 See what's included →
Emergency custody consultation in the USA
A confidential 45–60 minute phone or video consultation with a licensed US attorney about an emergency custody order to protect your child. Get straight answers on your rights, options, risks and likely costs, and a clear plan for your next steps.
It includes 45–60 minute call with a licensed US attorney — phone, video or WhatsApp, upload documents beforehand so your attorney is prepared, your rights, options, risks and likely costs in plain English. Moreover, it is usually ready in 1 working day. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Emergency custody consultation — $399 See what's included →
Child custody consultation in the USA
A confidential 45–60 minute phone or video consultation with a licensed US attorney about child custody and parenting time. Get straight answers on your rights, options, risks and likely costs, and a clear plan for your next steps.
It includes 45–60 minute call with a licensed US attorney — phone, video or WhatsApp, upload documents beforehand so your attorney is prepared, your rights, options, risks and likely costs in plain English. Moreover, it is usually ready in 1 working day. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Child custody consultation — $299 See what's included →
Domestic-violence defense consultation in the USA
A confidential 45–60 minute phone or video consultation with a licensed US attorney about defending a domestic-violence charge. Get straight answers on your rights, options, risks and likely costs, and a clear plan for your next steps.
It includes 45–60 minute call with a licensed US attorney — phone, video or WhatsApp, upload documents beforehand so your attorney is prepared, your rights, options, risks and likely costs in plain English. Moreover, it is usually ready in 1 working day. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Domestic-violence defense consultation — $299 See what's included →
Affidavit / Sworn Declaration in the USA
Sworn statement or declaration under penalty of perjury, formatted for court.
Moreover, it is usually ready in 2 working days. Express delivery is also available. As a result, you can act before deadlines pass.
Order Affidavit / Sworn Declaration — from $39 See what's included →
Protective Orders services near you — every state we cover
Because everything is handled online, it makes no difference where you live. Nevertheless, the law does change from state to state, so every document is prepared for your local rules. Here are some of the places our clients come from most often.
Protective Orders help in California
We prepare protective orders documents for California law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Los Angeles (near the Stanley Mosk Courthouse downtown), San Diego (near the Hall of Justice on West Broadway), San Francisco (near the Civic Center courthouse on McAllister Street). For example, see Restraining / Protective Order Petition in Los Angeles, Restraining / Protective Order Petition in San Diego, Restraining / Protective Order Petition in San Francisco. Similarly, see Protective-order consultation in California.
Protective Orders help in Texas
We prepare protective orders documents for Texas law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Houston (near the Harris County Civil Courthouse), Dallas (near the George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building), San Antonio (near the Bexar County Courthouse), Austin (near the Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facility). For example, see Restraining / Protective Order Petition in Houston, Restraining / Protective Order Petition in Dallas, Restraining / Protective Order Petition in San Antonio, Restraining / Protective Order Petition in Austin. Similarly, see Protective-order consultation in Texas.
Protective Orders help in Florida
We prepare protective orders documents for Florida law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Miami (near the Miami-Dade County Courthouse on West Flagler Street), Orlando (near the Orange County Courthouse), Tampa (near the George E. Edgecomb Courthouse). For example, see Restraining / Protective Order Petition in Miami, Restraining / Protective Order Petition in Orlando, Restraining / Protective Order Petition in Tampa. Similarly, see Protective-order consultation in Florida.
Protective Orders help in New York
We prepare protective orders documents for New York law and local court practice. Clients come to us from New York City (near the New York County Courthouse at 60 Centre Street and the immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza), Brooklyn (near the Kings County Supreme Court on Adams Street). For example, see Restraining / Protective Order Petition in New York City, Restraining / Protective Order Petition in Brooklyn. Similarly, see Protective-order consultation in New York.
Protective Orders help in Illinois
We prepare protective orders documents for Illinois law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Chicago (near the Richard J. Daley Center). For example, see Restraining / Protective Order Petition in Chicago. Similarly, see Protective-order consultation in Illinois.
Protective Orders help in Georgia
We prepare protective orders documents for Georgia law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Atlanta (near the Fulton County Courthouse). For example, see Restraining / Protective Order Petition in Atlanta. Similarly, see Protective-order consultation in Georgia.
Protective Orders help in Arizona
We prepare protective orders documents for Arizona law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Phoenix (near the Maricopa County Superior Court). For example, see Restraining / Protective Order Petition in Phoenix. Similarly, see Protective-order consultation in Arizona.
Protective Orders help in Pennsylvania
We prepare protective orders documents for Pennsylvania law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Philadelphia (near City Hall, home of the Court of Common Pleas). For example, see Restraining / Protective Order Petition in Philadelphia. Similarly, see Protective-order consultation in Pennsylvania.
Protective Orders help in Washington
We prepare protective orders documents for Washington law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Seattle (near the King County Courthouse). For example, see Restraining / Protective Order Petition in Seattle. Similarly, see Protective-order consultation in Washington.
Protective Orders help in Colorado
We prepare protective orders documents for Colorado law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Denver (near the Denver City and County Building). For example, see Restraining / Protective Order Petition in Denver. Similarly, see Protective-order consultation in Colorado.
Protective Orders help in Massachusetts
We prepare protective orders documents for Massachusetts law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Boston (near the Edward W. Brooke Courthouse). For example, see Restraining / Protective Order Petition in Boston. Similarly, see Protective-order consultation in Massachusetts.
Protective Orders help in Nevada
We prepare protective orders documents for Nevada law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Las Vegas (near the Regional Justice Center). For example, see Restraining / Protective Order Petition in Las Vegas. Similarly, see Protective-order consultation in Nevada.
Protective Orders help in New Jersey
We prepare protective orders documents for New Jersey law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Newark (near the Essex County Hall of Records). For example, see Restraining / Protective Order Petition in Newark. Similarly, see Protective-order consultation in New Jersey.
Protective Orders help in North Carolina
We prepare protective orders documents for North Carolina law and local court practice. Clients come to us from Charlotte (near the Mecklenburg County Courthouse). For example, see Restraining / Protective Order Petition in Charlotte. Similarly, see Protective-order consultation in North Carolina.
We also help clients in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. See every location we cover.
Restraining / Protective Order Petition in every state
Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · District of Columbia · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming
Frequently asked questions
How fast can I get a protective order?
Many courts issue temporary orders the same day you file. A full hearing usually follows within a few weeks to decide on a longer-term order.
Do I need evidence to get a restraining order?
Your sworn statement is evidence. Photos, messages, police reports and witnesses make the petition stronger, but lack of documents does not stop you from filing.
Can a protective order give me custody of my children?
Yes. Many states allow temporary custody orders as part of a domestic violence protective order when children's safety is at risk.
How much does it cost to file a protective order?
Most courts charge no filing fee for domestic violence protective orders. Our attorney-prepared petition starts at $79.
Do you prepare protective order petitions in every state?
Yes. We prepare restraining order and protective order petitions for all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Contact American Counsel
📞 Phone / WhatsApp: +1 (217) 426-5403 · Chat on WhatsApp
✉ Email: support@american-counsel.com
🌐 Service area: online across all 50 US states and Washington, D.C.
🕑 Response: most enquiries answered the same working day
Related guides
This guide is general information, not legal advice for your situation. Every case is different — speak to a qualified attorney before you act.