How to Fill Out a Restraining Order Form for Your State
There are many cases of stalking, abuse, and harassment during which you might need to apply for a restraining order for yourself, your children, and maybe even your pets. Different states have different laws regarding restraining orders, and they also have different .
A lot of the information that you need to give the court to get a restraining order may be the same in different states, but you will need to fill out the correct forms for that state. It can be confusing to file restraining order forms because of the variations in the laws between states.
The restraining orders might be referred to by different names, such as "abuse prevention order" and "harassment prevention order." The forms themselves are different and you can't file the form for one state in another. This is why it might be best to turn to DoNotPay.
At a time when you are living in fear, it may be a bit difficult to do the research necessary to figure out what the laws are and what forms you need to fill out. The instructions to the forms may also be written in legalese and difficult to follow. DoNotPay simplifies the whole process for you by just asking you to answer a few questions and filling the forms out for you. It also gives you detailed instructions about where to file the forms.
Who Can Benefit From a Restraining Order?
The purpose of a restraining order is to create a safer environment for any of the following:
- A person
- A business
- An object (such as a home)
- A company
- A state
- A country
- An establishment
- The general public
Mostly you'll find that restraining orders are filed on behalf of people and children to protect them where they live, where they work, and where they go to school.
In What Situations Are Restraining Orders Issued?
Restraining orders may be issued in any of the following situations:
- Domestic violence
- Child abuse
- Assault
- Harassment
- Stalking
- Sexual Assault
So if you have been a victim of any of the above crimes, you can apply for a restraining order against the person who committed it against you.
What Do You Need to Know About a Restraining Order?
If you're thinking about applying for a restraining order, here's what you need to know:
- Variations Between States: The laws regarding restraining orders vary from state to state but all states have some form of restraining order law.
- Consequences of Violating: The restraining order will require the person to refrain from certain behaviors, and if they violate the restraining order, they can be arrested.
- Keeping Distance: The restraining order will instruct the alleged abuser to stay a certain distance away from the person who has taken out the restraining order.
- Enforcing No Contact: The restraining order might enforce the "no contact" rule which means no phone calls, letters, gifts, or any form of contact between the two parties.
- Stopping Abuse/Threats: Some restraining orders might allow the current living situation to continue (if the two parties are living together) but might instruct abusers to stop hurting or threatening the person who asked for the restraining order.
What Forms Do You Fill Out to Get a Restraining Order?
As mentioned above, the laws regarding restraining orders vary from state to state (but a restraining order issued in one state has to be honored in all others). Restraining orders might even be referred to in different terms from state to state. The in different states are also different.
So it becomes necessary to look up the forms that you need to fill out for your state. These should be available on a government website which also tells you more details about the laws in your state. You can also get them at the courthouse, through your attorney, or possibly at the police station.
To learn more about restraining orders in your state, you can refer to one of the following guides:
Why Prepare Your Restraining Order Forms With DoNotPay?
As mentioned above, the laws vary greatly from state to state and so do the forms. There is no one form that you can fill out for restraining orders all around the country. Additionally, each state has different laws concerning how much proof you need to bring before the judge to prove that you are being abused/harassed/stalked.
It can be frustrating and time-consuming to look up the laws in your state and find the right forms for your particular situation. And there may be times when you just can't spare the time to research because someone is abusing/harassing you.
This is why it's a good idea to use DoNotPay to prepare your forms. DoNotPay will just ask you a series of questions about your situation and will then find the right forms for your case. It will fill out these forms for you and let you know exactly where you need to file them. This simplifies the entire process greatly.
Here’s how to apply for a restraining order with the help of DoNotPay:
- 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!
Learn More About Restraining Orders With DoNotPay
If you're still trying to figure out whether you should file for a restraining order, it always helps to have more information. DoNotPay can give you all the information you need without the legalese that you usually find on government and legal sites. Here are some links to get answers to the questions you might have:
- How much do restraining orders cost?
- Do you need proof to get a restraining order?
- When are you eligible to file a restraining order?
- How long is a restraining order issued for?
- What are the repercussions of violating a restraining order?
Filling out a restraining order form can be a complex, time-consuming process, given that the laws and the forms vary from state to state. DoNotPay can simplify the process for you by just asking you a few questions and finding the right forms for you. It can also give you more information about restraining orders in general and in your state.