Seals of the Court of Appeals and Superior Court
District of Columbia Courts

Get a Protection Order

Important!

If you feel your life is in immediate danger request a Temporary Protection Order.

The process of requesting the petition, filling out the paperwork, getting the case scheduled, and appearing before the judge can take a while, so be prepared to spend a few hours to complete this process.

How do I Get a Protection Order?

1. Come to one of the Domestic Violence Intake Centers

2. File a petition for a Civil Protection Order

Who is Eligible to Get a Domestic Violence Protection Order?

You may seek a protection order if the other person is a family member, roommate, someone you had a dating relationship with or a child in common, are or were married to, or if they previously dated your current boyfriend or girlfriend. You may also file if you are the victim of stalking, sexual assault or sexual abuse. To get a protection order, you must prove to the judge that the other person committed or threaten to commit a crime against you.

For Hearings on Civil Protection Orders:

  • 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.
  • Bring evidence and witnesses that can help you prove your allegations
  • An attorney negotiator will meet with you just before your hearing. Pay close attention to all the information that he or she gives you. Ask questions if you do not understand, but remember that the attorney negotiator is not your lawyer and cannot give you legal advice.
Contact
Domestic Violence Division

Presiding Judge: Hon. Elizabeth Carroll Wingo
Deputy Presiding Judge: Hon. Sean Staples

Location
Domestic Violence Division Clerk's Offices

Moultrie Courthouse
500 Indiana Avenue NW,
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 879-0157

Get Directions

Anacostia Professional Building
2041 Martin Luther King, Jr., SE, Suite 400,
Washington, DC 20020
(202) 879-1500

Get Directions
Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday:
8:30 am to 5:00 pm

(In order to have a same day emergency civil hearing, filings must be received by Clerk’s Office by 3:00pm)

Telephone Numbers

Rita Blandino, Director
(202) 879-0157