How to Get a Restraining Order on Someone

Do you feel like hiding most of the time? Are you scared to leave your own house? Is someone constantly threatening or inflicting violence on you? These are signs that you need to file for a restraining order rite away. These steps and tips should help you get a grasp on the entire process.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A file compiled of evidence of abuse, harassment and threats.

1. First you need to understand the purpose of a restraining order.
   A restraining order's main purpose is to protect an individual from a person who is believed to be a threat and will cause them danger or inflict violence. Once the order has been issued, it will be a criminal offense for this person to get within a certain distance of you or if they try to contact you in any way, shape or form.

2. To start the process you need to search the web for "restraining order forms for ______ county." Print all necessary forms out and fill them out accordingly.
   Now search the web for your local clerk of the court. You need to write down the number and call them with your query. All your forms will be given to the clerk. The clerk will then pass it on to a judge.
   The judge may immediately grant the restraining order or he may issue a court date.

3. Now you have to show the person whose being filed against that you mean business. Go to the sheriff's office and find someone to personally deliver the restraining order to them, and make sure they are aware of the court day they need to be present for.
   This process could take a few weeks depending on the severity and the work load for the Sheriff's office.

4. This is what you should do when the court date has arrived.
   Show up early to assure that you are going to be calm enough to prove your case. It won't look promising if you get irrational.
   Make sure you bring any type of evidence you may have. Knowing most people who file for such an order, you probably already have these things collected in a file. If you don't already have them in order, work on this ahead of time. The more evidence the better.
   Restraining orders last for 180 days, depending on the evidence, you may be granted an extension to such days.

5. If you follow these steps and tips, you should finally be able to rest easy for once. The process can be stressful, but it's definitely well worth it.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be afraid to step forward and file against this person. I know that it's extremely hard, but you have to do it if you want to feel a sense of safety again.
• Living in fear or completely miserable is never the answer. You can do something about it, don't let it consume you. Act now.

[NuttyMomma]

on 2/10/2009 great article on a difficult subject. 5* and recommended.