When do I need an Order of Protection?

What is an Order of Protection?

An Order of Protection is a court order which restricts someone who has abused a family or household member. An Order of Protection may:

• prohibit an abuser from continuing threats and abuse;
• order an abuser out of a shared home or residence;
• order an abuser out of that home while they are using drugs or alcohol;
• order an abuser to stay away from you and other persons protected by the order and keep abuser from your work, school, or other specific locations;
• prohibit an abuser from taking or hiding children, give you temporary custody, or require the abuser to bring the child to court;
• require an abuser to attend counseling;
• require an abuser to turn weapons over to local law enforcement; and/or
• prohibit an abuser from other actions.

How do I obtain an Order of Protection?

To obtain an Order of Protection, you should ask your attorney to file in civil court or in a criminal prosecution.  If you are already going through an existing divorce or family court proceeding with the abuser, you may file it in that proceeding.  The divorce and family law attorneys at The Law Offices of Robert F. Kramer, Ltd. are experienced in helping clients in need of Orders of Protection obtain the legal remedies they need to protect themselves and their family members.

If you do not have an attorney, you can go to your local circuit court clerk’s office and get the necessary forms to seek an Order of Protection for yourself, or you may contact a domestic violence program for help completing the necessary forms.