Filing Procedure

How do I File?

You must fill out the paperwork given to you by the Court staff. An Order of Protection can only be issued against one person. Each person you want to file against requires a separate petition and service fee. You must provide the Court with:

• A name of the defendant.
• A list of all specific facts of domestic violence or harassment that the defendant has committed within the past year (the 1 year requirement may be waived if defendant is out of state, incarcerated, or good cause is shown).
• Your address and phone number so the Court can contact you if the defendant requests a hearing. Upon your request, this information will be withheld from the defendant.
• An address at which the defendant can be legally served with the Court's order. Remember - you can request an Order or Injunction without the address - but it is not in effect until the defendant is served.

Petition

After you complete the paperwork, you will be scheduled before a Judge who will review your petition. This appearance is usually on the same day. The Judge will decide whether to issue the Order of Protection or Injunction Against Harassment.