Civil Harassment

Fast Start – What would you like to do?

 The Basic Restraining Order Process

    • Fill out the forms (choose the type of forms using one of the links above)
    • Submit the forms to the court.
    • The judge will decide whether or not to issue temporary orders, and the court will contact you when the forms are ready.
    • Have the notice of hearing and any temporary orders served on the restrained person.
    • Wait for a response from the restrained person.
    • Go to the court hearing where the judge will decide whether a restraining order will continue for a longer time.

What is a Civil Harassment Restraining Order?

A civil harassment restraining order is a court order that helps protect people from harassment by roommates, neighbors, co-workers or other people not related to you.

You may seek a civil harassment restraining order if you are worried about your safety because someone has stalked you, harassed you, assaulted you
or threatened you with violence.

Your written declaration must state sufficient detailed facts that show reasonable proof of a past act or acts of abuse. Your written declaration should contain dates, a detailed description of the recent abuse and a detailed description of any injuries. If someone you know also witnessed any incident, that person may submit a declaration describing the incident. If you have police reports, photographs, declarations by others or other supporting documents, attach a copy to your Request for Orders, labeled as Exhibits and number each exhibit in your declaration. If you are requesting protection for another person, he or she must live in your household or be a family member. Your declaration must state the facts showing why that person also needs
protection. The Court will grant or deny your request for temporary orders solely on the basis of your declaration. Your declaration must contain detailed facts based on your own knowledge.

A restraining order can NOT:

    • Keep someone from harming you.  A restraining order is a court order, and the person can get in trouble if the person continues to harass you, but it is not a shield.  If you feel that you are in danger, get away.  Hide.
    • Divide property.  A restraining order is meant to prevent abuse, not decide the property rights.
    • Substitute for an eviction.  A restraining order should not be used to kick out a roommate.

 What a restraining order CAN do

A restraining order is a court order that can require the restrained person to:

    • Not contact or go near you, your children, other relatives, or others who live with you;
    • Stay away from your home, work, or your children’s schools;
    • Move out of your house (even if you live together);
    • Not have a gun;
    • Stay away from any of your pets.