Does It Cost a Lot of Money to File a Restraining Order?

Does It Cost Money to File a Restraining Order?

Restraining orders–also known as protective orders–are ordered by a judge and put into place to protect abuse victims. Most states have their own rules when it comes to restraining orders. However, there are a few basic rules that all states follow. If you or a loved one are thinking about getting a restraining order against someone, here is everything that you need to know, including whether or not it .

What Is a Restraining Order?

A restraining order is a protective order granted by a judge and prohibits a suspect from going near a victim. A restraining order can mandate that a person cannot get close to another person, business, entity, or even state.

If someone has been convicted or suspected of a crime, the victim could file a restraining order to help them feel safe. Some of the crimes that warrant a restraining order could include:

Sexual Assault
Harassment
Child Abuse
Domestic Violence
Stalking

Most restraining orders have an expiration date at least 90 days away from the date it was issued. However, a judge can extend the order if it is necessary.

What Kind of Restraining Orders Are There?

If you are a victim of domestic violence or any other crime that could put you in direct danger, you should consider getting a restraining order. Many people think that there is a one-size-fits-all solution to restraining orders. However, several different types of restraining orders are available and offer different levels of protection. Here is a look at the various types of restraining orders available.

Emergency Protective Order (EPO)	Provides immediate and short-term protection. In most states, a law enforcement officer is required to petition for an EPO after they witness domestic abuse or another violent crime committed against another person.
Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)	TROs can be sought out quickly. This type of protection usually expires after 20 to 25 days.
Permanent Restraining Order (PRO)	If you still feel that you are in danger after the TRO has expired, you can petition the court to grant you a PRO. Depending on what state you live in, a Permanent Restraining Order can offer you protection for up to 10 years.

How Do You Get a Restraining Order?

Requesting a restraining order can vary from state to state. However, generally, the steps to request a restraining order are the same. Here is a look at how you can obtain a restraining order:

Go to a local domestic violence organization or a legal aid office. You can also go to the county clerk at the courthouse located in the same county where the domestic violence took place.
Fill out the necessary paperwork. Be sure to list yourself as the "petitioner" and the person that committed the abuse as the "respondent." Also, make sure to give details about the incident that took place which prompted you to get a restraining order
Give your paperwork to the clerk and make sure to tell them if you are requesting a temporary restraining order.
The clerk will give your paperwork to the judge, and a court date is usually scheduled within 30 days.
The Court will then serve the respondent their paperwork which notifies them of the order of protection and tell them when the court date will be.
You and the abuser will then go to the court hearing and plead your case in front of a judge. The judge will decide on your request for a restraining order at this time.

Does It Cost Anything to File a Restraining Order?

No matter which state you are filing in, there is usually no charge to file a restraining order. However, you may want to hire an attorney to represent you when you show up to court. If you cannot afford a lawyer, your local domestic abuse organization may be able to help you obtain legal assistance financially.

Quickly File a Restraining Order With The Help Of DoNotPay

Filing for a by yourself can be time-consuming and confusing. It can be overwhelming to figure out which courthouse to file the paperwork at. Luckily, DoNotPay makes this process easy. If you want to quickly request a restraining order, simply follow these three steps:

Search for relationship protection on DoNotPay.
Answer a few easy questions on our File a Restraining Order product.
Submit the form, and you’re done.

DoNotPay Can Help You File A Restraining Order No Matter Where You Live

No matter what jurisdiction you live in, DoNotPay can help you file a restraining order. Some of the states that our toll works with include:

DoNotPay Can Help Solve a Wide Range of Issues

In addition to helping you file a restraining order, DoNotPay offers several other services, which include:

If you are struggling to complete almost any tasks, DoNotPay can help. Feel free to check out our extensive catalog of services and products that we offer.