IMPORTANT: If someone has filed a protection order against you, carefully read all the paperwork you receive about the case.
If the Judge Issues a Temporary Protection Order and/or a Civil Protection Order Against You
You should obey all of the terms of that order. Remember that the order restricts your behavior not the other person’s behavior, so it is up to you to make sure that you comply with the order (for example, if the judge orders you to stay away, you have to make sure you are not near them, they do not have to change their behavior so that they are not near you).
If you want to file an answer and respond to the charges made in the request for the order, complete the Answer to Civil Protection Order form.
More Information:
Hearings in the Domestic Violence Division can be held in person at the court building or virtually. Check your hearing notice or call the Domestic Violence Clerks Office to confirm whether your hearing will be held remotely or in person.
Remote hearings
- Review your hearing notice for the date, time, and remote hearing link.
- If you cannot attend court on your hearing date, you may request a continuance but you are required to appear unless the court changes the hearing date.
- Ensure that any witnesses can join the virtual hearing and that all evidence is saved in a digital format.
- On the date of the hearing, lot in at the scheduled time to be checked in for your case.
- An attorney negotiator will meet with you before your hearing. Pay close attention to all the information that they give you. Ask questions if you do not understand, but remember that the attorney negotiator is not your attorney and cannot give you legal advice.
- If you were arrested and charged with a crime related to the incidents in the request for a protection order, make sure to tell your lawyer that someone has requested a protection order against you.
- You may bring an attorney to represent you, but you do not have a right to a court-appointed attorney for civil cases.
In-Person Hearings
- Show up to any court hearings on time. Remember that there are lines to get into the courthouse, so arrive early.
- If you cannot come to court on the day you have been ordered to appear, you can ask for a continuance. Remember you have to come to court unless the court date is changed by the Court.
- If you believe the allegations made about you are not true, bring witnesses and evidence. You may present your evidence, documents, and testimony to the Judge so they can decide the case.
- Sit in the opposite side of the courtroom from where the person who filed the case against you is sitting.
- An attorney negotiator will meet with you before your hearing. Pay close attention to all the information that they give you. Ask questions if you do not understand, but remember that the attorney negotiator is not your attorney and cannot give you legal advice.
- If you were arrested and charged with a crime related to the incidents in the request for a protection order, make sure to tell your lawyer that someone has requested a protection order against you.
- You may bring an attorney to represent you, but you do not have a right to a court-appointed attorney for civil cases.