How to Get a Restraining Order in Alabama
In Alabama these are called Protection From Abuse (PFA) order. A protective order is a court order that tells someone to stop abusing, threatening, stalking or contacting you. Here is how to ask for one, what happens next, and where to get free help — each rule linked to the statute or official court page.
Quick answers for Alabama
- Cost
- Free. No court costs or fees may be charged to file, issue, register, change, enforce, dismiss, withdraw, or serve a protection order, or for witness subpoenas. The judge may order the defendant to pay costs. Ala. Code § 30-5-5(g)
- Emergency / temporary orders
- A judge can issue a temporary (ex parte) protection order without notice to the other person, based on your sworn petition. The court must grant or deny the temporary order within three business days of filing. Ala. Code §§ 30-5-6(b),(c); 30-5-7(a)
- How long an order lasts
- A final protection order is permanent unless the order says otherwise or a later court order changes it. Either party can ask the court to modify it while it is in effect. Ala. Code § 30-5-7(d)
- Where to ask
- File in circuit court in the county where you or the other person lives, where you are temporarily staying after leaving home to avoid abuse, where the abuse happened, or where a civil case between you is already pending. Ala. Code §§ 30-5-3(c),(e); 30-5-5(b)
Last verified: 2026-10-25
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.
Getting an order
| Types of orders | Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders cover abuse by a spouse or former spouse, a person you have a child with, a current or recent dating partner, a current or former household member, and certain close relatives. A separate Elder Abuse Protection Order petition is also available through the court system. Elder abuse petition (form C-90) listed on the official forms page https://eforms.alacourt.gov/civil-forms/protection-from-abuse/ |
|---|---|
| Who can ask for an order | You can file if you are a victim of abuse (or reasonably fear you are about to be) and the other person is: a current or former spouse (including common-law); someone you have a child with; someone you are dating or dated within the last 12 months (not casual or business relationships); a current or former household member in a romantic or intimate relationship, or a relative of that household member who also lived with them; a parent, stepparent, child or stepchild; or a grandparent, step-grandparent, grandchild or step-grandchild. You must be at least 18 or emancipated to file for yourself. |
| Where to ask | File in circuit court in the county where you or the other person lives, where you are temporarily staying after leaving home to avoid abuse, where the abuse happened, or where a civil case between you is already pending. No minimum time living in the county is required. Petition forms are available from the circuit clerk's office; clerks cannot help fill them out. For immediate danger, call 911. |
| Cost | Free. No court costs or fees may be charged to file, issue, register, change, enforce, dismiss, withdraw, or serve a protection order, or for witness subpoenas. The judge may order the defendant to pay costs. Source: Ala. Code § 30-5-5(g) |
Emergency orders and the hearing
| Emergency / temporary orders | A judge can issue a temporary (ex parte) protection order without notice to the other person, based on your sworn petition. The court must grant or deny the temporary order within three business days of filing. A temporary order lasts until the final hearing date and can be extended if the hearing is continued. |
|---|---|
| Serving the order | The petition and any temporary order are served on the other person as soon as possible under court rules, usually by a sheriff's deputy. There is no fee for service. You will be sent copies of orders and hearing notices within 24 hours if you give the court current contact information. |
| The court hearing | A final hearing is held within 10 days after the other person is served (or sooner if they request a hearing). Both sides can appear; the judge can issue a final order after the hearing even if the other person does not come. If the other person has not been served, the hearing can be postponed so service can be completed. |
| How long an order lasts | A final protection order is permanent unless the order says otherwise or a later court order changes it. Either party can ask the court to modify it while it is in effect. Source: Ala. Code § 30-5-7(d) |
What the order does
| What an order can require | The judge can order the other person to stop abuse, threats, harassment, stalking and contact (including by phone, electronically or through others); to stay at least 300 feet away from your home, school or work; to move out of the home regardless of who owns it; and not to remove children or dispose of shared property. The judge can award temporary custody, possession of a car and essential belongings, a police escort, and after a hearing can set safe visitation, temporary support, attorney's fees and other relief needed for safety. Source: Ala. Code § 30-5-7(b),(c) |
|---|---|
| Firearms | Under Alabama law, a person who is subject to a valid protection order for domestic abuse may not own, possess or control a firearm. Violating this is a Class C felony. Federal law may also restrict firearm possession. |
| If the order is violated | Knowingly violating a domestic violence protection order is a Class A misdemeanor. A second conviction carries at least 30 days in jail, and a third or later conviction is a Class C felony. There is also an extra $50 fine. Police can use their arrest powers to enforce the order, and orders are valid in every county in Alabama. |
Children and privacy
| Minors and children | A person must be 18 or emancipated to file for themselves. A parent, legal guardian, next friend, guardian ad litem, or the Department of Human Resources can file on behalf of a minor child or a person who cannot file due to physical or mental incapacity. Source: Ala. Code § 30-5-5(a) |
|---|
Forms and help in Alabama
- Official Alabama protective order forms
- Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ACADV) — 1-800-650-6522
- Free legal aid in Alabama
Alabama protective order FAQ
What kinds of protective orders are available in Alabama?
Protection From Abuse (PFA) orders cover abuse by a spouse or former spouse, a person you have a child with, a current or recent dating partner, a current or former household member, and certain close relatives. A separate Elder Abuse Protection Order petition is also available through the court system.
Who can get a restraining order in Alabama?
You can file if you are a victim of abuse (or reasonably fear you are about to be) and the other person is: a current or former spouse (including common-law); someone you have a child with; someone you are dating or dated within the last 12 months (not casual or business relationships); a current or former household member in a romantic or intimate relationship, or a relative of that household member who also lived with them; a parent, stepparent, child or stepchild; or a grandparent, step-grandparent, grandchild or step-grandchild. You must be at least 18 or emancipated to file for yourself.
Where do I file for a restraining order in Alabama?
File in circuit court in the county where you or the other person lives, where you are temporarily staying after leaving home to avoid abuse, where the abuse happened, or where a civil case between you is already pending. No minimum time living in the county is required. Petition forms are available from the circuit clerk's office; clerks cannot help fill them out. For immediate danger, call 911.
Does it cost money to get a restraining order in Alabama?
Free. No court costs or fees may be charged to file, issue, register, change, enforce, dismiss, withdraw, or serve a protection order, or for witness subpoenas. The judge may order the defendant to pay costs.
How fast can I get an emergency protective order in Alabama?
A judge can issue a temporary (ex parte) protection order without notice to the other person, based on your sworn petition. The court must grant or deny the temporary order within three business days of filing. A temporary order lasts until the final hearing date and can be extended if the hearing is continued.
What happens at the restraining order hearing in Alabama?
A final hearing is held within 10 days after the other person is served (or sooner if they request a hearing). Both sides can appear; the judge can issue a final order after the hearing even if the other person does not come. If the other person has not been served, the hearing can be postponed so service can be completed.
How long does a restraining order last in Alabama?
A final protection order is permanent unless the order says otherwise or a later court order changes it. Either party can ask the court to modify it while it is in effect.
What can a protective order do in Alabama?
The judge can order the other person to stop abuse, threats, harassment, stalking and contact (including by phone, electronically or through others); to stay at least 300 feet away from your home, school or work; to move out of the home regardless of who owns it; and not to remove children or dispose of shared property. The judge can award temporary custody, possession of a car and essential belongings, a police escort, and after a hearing can set safe visitation, temporary support, attorney's fees and other relief needed for safety.
Does a protective order affect firearms in Alabama?
Under Alabama law, a person who is subject to a valid protection order for domestic abuse may not own, possess or control a firearm. Violating this is a Class C felony.
How is a restraining order served in Alabama?
The petition and any temporary order are served on the other person as soon as possible under court rules, usually by a sheriff's deputy. There is no fee for service. You will be sent copies of orders and hearing notices within 24 hours if you give the court current contact information.
What happens if someone violates a protective order in Alabama?
Knowingly violating a domestic violence protection order is a Class A misdemeanor. A second conviction carries at least 30 days in jail, and a third or later conviction is a Class C felony. There is also an extra $50 fine. Police can use their arrest powers to enforce the order, and orders are valid in every county in Alabama.
Can a minor get a restraining order in Alabama?
A person must be 18 or emancipated to file for themselves. A parent, legal guardian, next friend, guardian ad litem, or the Department of Human Resources can file on behalf of a minor child or a person who cannot file due to physical or mental incapacity.
Protective orders in other states
More Alabama law
- Alabama tenant rights & landlord-tenant law
- Alabama small claims court
- Alabama wills, probate & estates
- Alabama employment law
- Alabama debt & collections
- Alabama unemployment benefits
- Alabama divorce & family law
- Alabama expungement & criminal records
- Alabama traffic tickets & dui
- Alabama personal injury & wrongful death
- Alabama workers' compensation
- Alabama foreclosure & homeowner law
- Alabama consumer protection
- Alabama starting an llc & small business
- Alabama bankruptcy
- Alabama car insurance & vehicle laws
- Alabama property tax & homestead exemptions
- Alabama criminal law
- Alabama gun laws
- Find a lawyer or free legal help in Alabama
- All Alabama law 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.