How long does a PPO last?

A PPO usually has a 6 month to One year expiration date. You can request that is be extended if you still feel you are in harm’s way.

How long does a restraining order take?

It typically takes a week or two to get an injunction, but you can apply for an injunction to be granted on the same day if you are at immediate risk of significant harm. If the court grants an injunction without notice, you will have to go back to court later for a hearing once the abuser has been given notice.

Can a restraining order be used to get custody of a child?

Depending on the laws in your state, restraining orders may also allow you to have sole custody of children, make an abuser move out of a shared home, and make an abuser pay your court and legal fees. 1 You can get more than one type of restraining order at the same time.

Who is the person the restraining order is against?

The person the restraining order is against is the “restrained person.” Sometimes, restraining orders include other “protected persons” like family or household members of the protected person. What does a restraining order do? In general restraining orders can include:

Can I get a restraining order for harassment?

You can ask for a civil harassment restraining order if you are being harassed, stalked, abused, or threatened by someone you are not as close to as is required under domestic violence cases, like a roommate, a neighbor, or more distant family members like cousins, aunts or uncles, or nieces or nephews.

Do you need a lawyer to get a restraining order?

You can apply for a restraining (or protection) order at courthouses, women’s shelters, lawyers’ offices, and some police stations. You do not need a lawyer to get a restraining order. Federal law says that you can get a restraining order for free.