No Contact Order vs. Restraining Order Explained
Those of you who need to get a restraining order due to harassing behavior from an individual may puzzle over certain types of these orders. Some states have different types of orders that don't fall under the title of a "restraining order."
One of the biggest confusions is what a no-contact order is. What's the in the field of law? We invite you to use our DoNotPay app to learn what the difference is, and to file your restraining order paperwork faster than if hiring a lawyer.
What Is a No Contact Order?
A restraining order might sound uniform, yet a no-contact order hones in on a specific type of order that helps you with harassing behavior at home or with neighbors. Here's what you need to know about :
- It's designed to prevent a domestic violence defendant out of your home or life. This might be a spouse, a family member, or a nearby neighbor who's been abusive to you.
- No contact orders are more binding contracts that aren't always temporary like a usual restraining order is. Only judges or district attorneys are typically allowed to remove no-contact orders.
- Some states (like Oregon) do have a more set period for no-contact orders, proving you need to study your state's laws to find out what the best choice is.
Now that you know what a no-contact order is, how does it really compare to a traditional restraining order if you need one now?
What Is a Restraining Order?
A restraining order is a temporary court order preventing an outside individual from taking aggressive action against you or another person. It usually means obtaining another restraining order later if the individual in question is still stalking you or causing abuse/harassment.
Some other types of restraining orders you should be familiar with include:
| Personal Conduct Orders: | This is a restraining order that prevents a person from acting out abusive behaviors on you. |
| Stay-Away Orders: | These are designed to prevent someone from stalking or harassing you. |
| Residence Exclusion: | A variation on no-contact orders that excludes those from your household who've been physically or mentally abusing you. |
| Emergency/Temporary Orders: | An order to protect yourself and your family from an abusive person. They're available to use before a trial might take place. |
Variations of abuse and harassment obviously exist, though other order types are important to know if need one right away. It's also essential to have the knowledge of what to properly say in your application to get the restraining order you need.
How to File a Request for a Restraining Order
To start the legal process of obtaining your no-contact order or restraining order, visit your local court clerk and pick up an application. These forms need to be filled out with your personal information to get the ball rolling. Turn your application in to your court clerk. This paperwork is handed over to a judge who may schedule a hearing with you.
Be sure to check your state laws, even though the application process is mostly uniform in all states. Each state requires you to bring evidence of the abuse you're facing. A support person is almost always allowed to go with you to court. Also, charges for your no-contact order usually don't exist if you're facing abuse.
Should You Get a No Contact Order or a Restraining Order?
Abuse and harassment in the home is a more serious situation since you may face this daily from a significant other. A no-contact order is more important if abuse is prevalent in your home.
- A basic restraining order is usually good for only six months to a year in many states.
- Obtaining one of those for a perpetually abusive person in your life would be more problematic and require you to constantly refile.
- This may occur if the abusive person violates the order.
- Filing the paperwork for either one of these orders is often time-consuming.
At DoNotPay, we help speed up the process by providing and processing the forms.
Get a No Contact Order or Restraining Order Faster Using DoNotPay
The real key to obtaining a restraining order fast is getting the forms submitted properly. We help make this work effectively using our app through these simple 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!
That's all there is to it. DoNotPay compiles the forms you need to fill out and gives you detailed instructions on how to file for a restraining order in your jurisdiction.
DoNotPay Works Across Multiple Companies at the Click of a Button
We can help you solve issues with numerous companies. However, we're particularly proud to help get the forms you need to court so you get a no-contact order or a restraining order now to keep yourself safe.
Some prominent states where we can help:
We'll even help show you:
- The proof you need to file
- The typical cost of the order
- And when you should file
What Else Can DoNotPay Do for You?
Not only do we help with , but we also help solve any legal issue. Everything from small claims court lawsuits to filing complaints with major corporations is possible through our app. to discover more about our app's features.