Protective Order

Protective orders are issued by a civil court in the hopes of preventing further acts of family violence. Family violence occurs when one member of the family or household intends to physically harm another family member. Protective orders are issued when serious violence that results in physical harm, the abuse of a spouse or child, is likely to continue or happen again. Protective orders prohibit the person responsible for the violence from harassing or threatening the other party.

People often have the following types of questions:

• What is a protective order?
• What is family violence?
• Who is a member of the family or household?
• How do I get a protective order?
• How can an order help me?
• What is needed to get a protective order?
• How much does the order cost?
• How long does the order last?
• What happens if the order is violated?
• What do I do if the order is issued against me?
• Who can get a protective order?
• How is the order violated?
• How can I get the order removed?
• What is the difference between a protective order and a restraining order?
• Are there on-line resources to help me get this order?
• Who can help me get this order?

English  |  Español

America Family Law Center
can be contacted by
phone or text at 214-516-7700
Children need their parents