How to Get a Restraining Order in Alaska
In Alaska these are called Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO); Stalking and Sexual Assault Protective Orders. 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 Alaska
- Cost
- Free. Filing fees and service-of-process fees may not be charged in a case seeking only protective-order relief. AS 18.66.150(d); AS 18.66.160(c)
- Emergency / temporary orders
- A judge can issue an ex parte (short-term) domestic violence protective order without notice to the other person if your petition shows probable cause that domestic violence occurred. It lasts 20 days unless dissolved earlier. AS 18.66.110(a),(b)
- How long an order lasts
- Most provisions of a long-term domestic violence order last one year; the order prohibiting further domestic violence, stalking or harassment lasts until further court order. Stalking and sexual assault orders last one year. AS 18.66.100(b),(f); AS 18.65.850(b),(f)
- Where to ask
- File in district or superior court during regular court hours, or electronically through TrueFiling. The Anchorage Boney Courthouse (303 K St.) has extended hours for protective order petitions. AS 18.66.100(a); AS 18.66.150(c); AS 18.66.110(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 | Domestic violence protective orders (for household members), including 20-day ex parte orders, 72-hour emergency orders requested by police, and one-year long-term orders; and stalking or sexual assault protective orders for people who do not have a household relationship with the other person. Source: AS 18.66.100–.110; AS 18.65.850 |
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| Who can ask for an order | For a domestic violence order, you must be a victim of a crime involving domestic violence by a household member. Household members include current or former spouses, people who live or lived together, people who are dating or dated, people in a current or past sexual relationship, relatives (up to fourth degree by blood or adoption, or by marriage), people who have a child together, and minor children of these people. If there is no household relationship, a person who reasonably believes they are a victim of stalking or sexual assault can ask for a stalking or sexual assault protective order. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
| Where to ask | File in district or superior court during regular court hours, or electronically through TrueFiling. The Anchorage Boney Courthouse (303 K St.) has extended hours for protective order petitions. Clerks must provide forms and help completing and filing them. After hours, police can request a 72-hour emergency protective order from a judicial officer by phone. Extended Anchorage hours are as posted on the court self-help page; check before going. |
| Cost | Free. Filing fees and service-of-process fees may not be charged in a case seeking only protective-order relief. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: AS 18.66.150(d); AS 18.66.160(c) |
Emergency orders and the hearing
| Emergency / temporary orders | A judge can issue an ex parte (short-term) domestic violence protective order without notice to the other person if your petition shows probable cause that domestic violence occurred. It lasts 20 days unless dissolved earlier. Separately, a police officer can request a 72-hour emergency protective order for you, in person or by phone. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: AS 18.66.110(a),(b) |
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| Serving the order | Orders are served promptly by a local or state peace officer at no charge; police must use every reasonable means to serve. You may also use other legal means of service. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: AS 18.66.160 |
| The court hearing | When a petition for a long-term order is filed, the court schedules a hearing and gives the other person at least 10 days' notice. Both sides may appear in person or through a lawyer; the judge can grant the order even if the other person does not come. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: AS 18.66.100(b); AS 18.65.850(b) |
| How long an order lasts | Most provisions of a long-term domestic violence order last one year; the order prohibiting further domestic violence, stalking or harassment lasts until further court order. Stalking and sexual assault orders last one year. You can ask for a one-year extension within 30 days before, or 60 days after, the order expires; a hearing is held with at least 10 days' notice. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
What the order does
| What an order can require | A domestic violence order can prohibit further abuse, stalking and harassment; prohibit contact; remove the other person from your home regardless of ownership; order them to stay away from your home, school, work, vehicle and other places; arrange a police escort to collect belongings; award temporary custody and safe visitation; give you use of a vehicle and essential items, including a pet; order support, reimbursement of costs from the abuse, and treatment or intervention programs; and other relief needed for protection. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: AS 18.66.100(c) |
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| Firearms | In a long-term domestic violence order, the judge can prohibit the other person from using or possessing a deadly weapon, and order surrender of firearms, if the judge finds they possessed or used a weapon/firearm during the domestic violence. Federal law may also restrict firearm possession. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: AS 18.66.100(c)(6),(7) |
| If the order is violated | Violating a protective order is a class A misdemeanor. Orders must warn that violation may be punished by up to one year in jail and a $25,000 fine. An invitation from the protected person does not cancel the order. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
Children and privacy
| Minors and children | A parent, guardian, or court-appointed representative can file a domestic violence petition on behalf of a minor, and the court may appoint a guardian ad litem or attorney for the minor. A parent or guardian can also file a stalking or sexual assault petition on behalf of a minor. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: AS 18.66.100(a); AS 18.65.850(a) |
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Forms and help in Alaska
- Alaska courts: protective order help
- Official Alaska protective order forms
- Alaska Network on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault (ANDVSA), statewide coalition — (907) 586-3650 (office; not a crisis line)
- Free legal aid in Alaska
Alaska protective order FAQ
What kinds of protective orders are available in Alaska?
Domestic violence protective orders (for household members), including 20-day ex parte orders, 72-hour emergency orders requested by police, and one-year long-term orders; and stalking or sexual assault protective orders for people who do not have a household relationship with the other person.
Who can get a restraining order in Alaska?
For a domestic violence order, you must be a victim of a crime involving domestic violence by a household member. Household members include current or former spouses, people who live or lived together, people who are dating or dated, people in a current or past sexual relationship, relatives (up to fourth degree by blood or adoption, or by marriage), people who have a child together, and minor children of these people. If there is no household relationship, a person who reasonably believes they are a victim of stalking or sexual assault can ask for a stalking or sexual assault protective order.
Where do I file for a restraining order in Alaska?
File in district or superior court during regular court hours, or electronically through TrueFiling. The Anchorage Boney Courthouse (303 K St.) has extended hours for protective order petitions. Clerks must provide forms and help completing and filing them. After hours, police can request a 72-hour emergency protective order from a judicial officer by phone.
Does it cost money to get a restraining order in Alaska?
Free. Filing fees and service-of-process fees may not be charged in a case seeking only protective-order relief.
How fast can I get an emergency protective order in Alaska?
A judge can issue an ex parte (short-term) domestic violence protective order without notice to the other person if your petition shows probable cause that domestic violence occurred. It lasts 20 days unless dissolved earlier. Separately, a police officer can request a 72-hour emergency protective order for you, in person or by phone.
What happens at the restraining order hearing in Alaska?
When a petition for a long-term order is filed, the court schedules a hearing and gives the other person at least 10 days' notice. Both sides may appear in person or through a lawyer; the judge can grant the order even if the other person does not come.
How long does a restraining order last in Alaska?
Most provisions of a long-term domestic violence order last one year; the order prohibiting further domestic violence, stalking or harassment lasts until further court order. Stalking and sexual assault orders last one year. You can ask for a one-year extension within 30 days before, or 60 days after, the order expires; a hearing is held with at least 10 days' notice.
What can a protective order do in Alaska?
A domestic violence order can prohibit further abuse, stalking and harassment; prohibit contact; remove the other person from your home regardless of ownership; order them to stay away from your home, school, work, vehicle and other places; arrange a police escort to collect belongings; award temporary custody and safe visitation; give you use of a vehicle and essential items, including a pet; order support, reimbursement of costs from the abuse, and treatment or intervention programs; and other relief needed for protection.
Does a protective order affect firearms in Alaska?
In a long-term domestic violence order, the judge can prohibit the other person from using or possessing a deadly weapon, and order surrender of firearms, if the judge finds they possessed or used a weapon/firearm during the domestic violence.
How is a restraining order served in Alaska?
Orders are served promptly by a local or state peace officer at no charge; police must use every reasonable means to serve. You may also use other legal means of service.
What happens if someone violates a protective order in Alaska?
Violating a protective order is a class A misdemeanor. Orders must warn that violation may be punished by up to one year in jail and a $25,000 fine. An invitation from the protected person does not cancel the order.
Can a minor get a restraining order in Alaska?
A parent, guardian, or court-appointed representative can file a domestic violence petition on behalf of a minor, and the court may appoint a guardian ad litem or attorney for the minor. A parent or guardian can also file a stalking or sexual assault petition on behalf of a minor.
Protective orders in other states
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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.