How to Get a Restraining Order Against Someone in Ohio

Restraining orders can help protect you

Physical abuse, harassment, stalking and threats give reason for getting a restraining order against someone in Ohio. Restraining orders help protect your place of employment, children and other family members from harassment during domestic discord or divorce. Restraining orders also offer asset protection during divorce, stopping sales or termination of real property and health insurance. Do not take threats of physical harm or violence lightly. Get a restraining order against the person to help protect yourself and family members. If you need immediate assistance, contact your local law enforcement agency or dial 911 for an emergency.

Instructions

1. 

   Contact your county Common Pleas Court

   Contact your county Common Pleas Court by phone or in person. Ask where to get the necessary forms to fill out. Some county courts have forms available online, others only in person.

2. 

   Fill out the needed information

   Fill out all necessary information and submit to the court. The Court will set a hearing date for the restraining order. Emergency cases need to be heard more quickly. Explain your situation and retain an attorney to represent you if you need help getting through the process.

3. 

   Attend the hearing

   Attend the hearing with any evidence you have of abuse, threats, stalking or harassment. Take any witnesses along to testify to the need for a restraining order. Follow the court's direction if there are instances of the abuser not following the restraining order.

4. 

   Ohio has Common Pleas Courts in all 88 counties

   Inquire about a CPO, Civil Protection Order, in cases of physical harm done by someone in Ohio. A CPO offers protection with specific guidelines. An SSOOPO, stalking or sexually oriented offense protection order, covers other behavior including stalking and following.

5. 

   Allow an officer to inform

   Allow the Court and law enforcement to inform the one you have gotten a restraining order against in Ohio. Do not attempt to contact him yourself.

Tips & Warnings

• Sometimes an employee at the courthouse will assist you in filling out the forms. They can not give legal advice however.

• Do not put yourself in danger or instigate a confrontation.

• Adhere to the rules set in the order.

References

• The Supreme Court of Ohio & The Ohio Judicial System: Ohio Trial Courts
• The Supreme Court of Ohio & The Ohio Judicial System: Domestic Violence Protection Order Forms
• WomensLaw.org: Overview of Civil vs. Criminal Law
• Ohio Legal Services- Stalking: Civil Stalking or Sexually Oriented Offense protection Order

Resources

• Forms Workflow: Judgment Entries (Restraining Orders) - Ohio