• Must qualify to file (clerk will ask questions to determine if you qualify)
• Petitioner must come in person to file
• Must provide name and address of person you are filing against
• May only include minor child(ren) if you have custody and provide proof of same
• ALL Orders of Protection are No Contact when filed and may be modified, at the Judge's discretion, during court
• Filing fee is not required at time of filing; Judge will tax costs at conclusion of case
• Judge cannot appointment attorneys to represent Petitioners 

​Orders of Protection ** CANNOT**

• Grant emergency custody of child(ren)
• Grant emergency possession of property
• Be dismissed/canceled before the Respondent is served
• Be dismissed/canceled without going to court
• Be changed without going back to court

Violation of Orders of Protection

• If a Respondent has contact with a Petitioner after he/she has been served with an Order of Protection (before or after court), he/she can go to jail for up to 10 days for each time he/she has contact.
• Violations may be filed by law enforcement or Petitioners, depending on the circumstances
• Additional fees will be taxed by the Judge for each violation

Requests to Cancel Orders of Protection

• Must be filed in person
• Both parties must go back to court before the Request will be considered
• Does NOT cancel the Order of Protection until you go to court and the Judge grants the request