1. Before you can obtain a Protection from Abuse Order, you and the other 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:
a.You are in a dating relationship,
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 or tried to hurt you or a minor child on purpose.
b. The person recently threatened to physically hurt you or a minor child.
c. The person engaged in physical conduct (touching or sexual intercourse) with a minor child under the age of 16 years of age.
3.You may file only two petitions for a Protection from Abuse Order in a 12 month period unless you are filing the petition on behalf of a minor child who has been abused.
4.You must be available to testify at future hearings as set by the Judge or in any other criminal action against the abuser. If you fail to appear, the case may be dismissed. 5.Other 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 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.
8. Please see additional information on Protection Orders here