How to Get a Restraining Order (Protective Order)
A protective order (also called a restraining order) is a court order that tells someone to stop abusing, threatening, stalking or contacting you. Domestic-violence orders are usually free. Here is how it works in all 50 states and DC, with the official forms and court help for each.
Safety first
- If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
- You can talk to a trained advocate any time, for free and confidentially, through the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
- Advocates can help you make a safety plan and fill out the court forms. Many courts have advocates on site.
- Keep copies of the order with you. Give copies to people who need to know, such as your workplace or your child's school.
Choose your state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Compare the states
- How Long Does a Restraining Order Last? State by State
- Emergency and Temporary Protective Orders by State
- Common questions, answered for every state
Plain-English guides
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.