How to Get a Protective Order in Connecticut

The purpose of a Connecticut protective order is to protect you from an individual who commits a criminal act against you. In order for you to get a protective order, you must first press charges against the person who commits the crime. The protective order is generally good for a six-month time period or until the person is sentenced for the crime.

Things You'll Need

• Protective order application

Instructions

1. Visit the Connecticut Superior Court for the county in which you live.

2. Complete an application for a protective order. On the application, document the reason(s) you feel the protective order is warranted. Submit the completed application to the court clerk.

3. Wait for the court clerk to invite you into a meeting with a judge. The judge will let you know if he has granted you an "Ex Parte" order. An Ex Parte order is a temporary, 14-day protective order.

   Whether or not you have been granted an Ex Parte order, you will be assigned a date to attend a court hearing. If your hearing is more than 14 days away, your Ex Parte protective order is good until the date of your hearing.

4. Attend the court hearing on the scheduled date. During the hearing, the judge will consider your case and decide whether or not to extend the order for another 180 days.

Tips & Warnings

• A protective order issued in Connecticut is not identical to a restraining order, which covers different criteria and situations.

References

• Connecticut Network For Legal Aid: Before Asking For A Restraining Order -- Things You Need To Know
• Womens Law: Restraining Order
• State Of Connecticut Judicial Branch: Protective/Restraining Orders
• Connecticut Judicial Branch Law Libraries: Domestic Violence In Connecticut