How to Get a Restraining Order in Arkansas
In Arkansas these are called Order of Protection. 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 Arkansas
- Cost
- No filing fee or service cost is charged to the petitioner. A judge may assess costs later if the allegations are found false after a hearing. Ark. Code Ann. § 9-15-202
- Emergency / temporary orders
- If the petition shows an immediate and present danger of domestic abuse (or the respondent is being released from jail within 30 days and there will then be immediate danger), the court grants a temporary ex parte order if there is sufficient evidence. Ark. Code Ann. §§ 9-15-204, 9-15-206
- How long an order lasts
- A final order lasts a fixed period set by the judge: at least 90 days and up to 10 years. It can be renewed at a later hearing if the court finds the threat of domestic abuse still exists. Ark. Code Ann. § 9-15-205
- Where to ask
- File in circuit court in the county where you live (including a county where you are staying short-term in a domestic violence shelter), where the abuse happened, or where the respondent can be served. Ark. Code Ann. §§ 9-15-103, 9-15-201, 9-15-203
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 | Order of Protection under the Domestic Abuse Act, available as an ex parte (temporary) order and a final order after a hearing. Arkansas Code is published officially through LexisNexis; text taken from the Arkansas AOC Domestic Relations Benchbook (2022), which quotes the statute. Later amendments may not be reflected. |
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| Who can ask for an order | An adult family or household member can file. Covered relationships include spouses and former spouses, parents and children, blood relatives within the fourth degree, in-laws, children living in the household, people who live or lived together, people who have a child together, and people in a current or past dating relationship (not casual or business relationships). Arkansas Code is published officially through LexisNexis; text taken from the Arkansas AOC Domestic Relations Benchbook (2022), which quotes the statute. Later amendments may not be reflected. |
| Where to ask | File in circuit court in the county where you live (including a county where you are staying short-term in a domestic violence shelter), where the abuse happened, or where the respondent can be served. Circuit clerks keep the forms and must give clerical help to people without a lawyer; shelter advocates can also help. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Arkansas Code is published officially through LexisNexis; text taken from the Arkansas AOC Domestic Relations Benchbook (2022), which quotes the statute. Later amendments may not be reflected. |
| Cost | No filing fee or service cost is charged to the petitioner. A judge may assess costs later if the allegations are found false after a hearing. Source: Ark. Code Ann. § 9-15-202 |
Emergency orders and the hearing
| Emergency / temporary orders | If the petition shows an immediate and present danger of domestic abuse (or the respondent is being released from jail within 30 days and there will then be immediate danger), the court grants a temporary ex parte order if there is sufficient evidence. It lasts until the hearing date. If it is denied, you still have the right to a full hearing. Arkansas Code is published officially through LexisNexis; text taken from the Arkansas AOC Domestic Relations Benchbook (2022), which quotes the statute. Later amendments may not be reflected. |
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| Serving the order | The petition, any ex parte order, and the hearing notice are served on the respondent at least 5 days before the hearing under civil-procedure rules. No service cost is charged to the petitioner. Arkansas Code is published officially through LexisNexis; text taken from the Arkansas AOC Domestic Relations Benchbook (2022), which quotes the statute. Later amendments may not be reflected. |
| The court hearing | The hearing is set no later than 30 days after filing, or at the next court date, whichever is later. The respondent must be served at least 5 days before the hearing; if service cannot be made, a new date can be set. Arkansas Code is published officially through LexisNexis; text taken from the Arkansas AOC Domestic Relations Benchbook (2022), which quotes the statute. Later amendments may not be reflected. Source: Ark. Code Ann. § 9-15-204 |
| How long an order lasts | A final order lasts a fixed period set by the judge: at least 90 days and up to 10 years. It can be renewed at a later hearing if the court finds the threat of domestic abuse still exists. Arkansas Code is published officially through LexisNexis; text taken from the Arkansas AOC Domestic Relations Benchbook (2022), which quotes the statute. Later amendments may not be reflected. Source: Ark. Code Ann. § 9-15-205 |
What the order does
| What an order can require | The judge can order the respondent out of a shared home, away from your work, school or other places, and to have no contact except as the order allows; award temporary custody, visitation and support; decide care of pets; award attorney's fees; and order other relief needed for protection. The court can order police to help you get possession of the home or your belongings. Your home or work address can be left off documents. Arkansas Code is published officially through LexisNexis; text taken from the Arkansas AOC Domestic Relations Benchbook (2022), which quotes the statute. Later amendments may not be reflected. |
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| Firearms | The court's order of protection form warns that a person subject to an order of protection may be prohibited by federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(8)) from shipping, transporting or possessing firearms or ammunition. No separate state-law surrender procedure found in the sources read. |
| If the order is violated | Violating an order of protection is a Class A misdemeanor (up to one year in jail and a fine). A violation within five years of a prior conviction is a Class D felony. Police may arrest without a warrant on probable cause, and orders are enforceable in every county. |
Children and privacy
| Minors and children | An adult family or household member can file on behalf of a minor (including a married minor), and an employee or volunteer of a domestic-violence shelter or program can file on behalf of a minor. Arkansas Code is published officially through LexisNexis; text taken from the Arkansas AOC Domestic Relations Benchbook (2022), which quotes the statute. Later amendments may not be reflected. Source: Ark. Code Ann. § 9-15-201 |
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Forms and help in Arkansas
- Arkansas courts: protective order help
- Official Arkansas protective order forms
- Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ACADV) — 501-907-5612 (office)
- Free legal aid in Arkansas
Arkansas protective order FAQ
What kinds of protective orders are available in Arkansas?
Order of Protection under the Domestic Abuse Act, available as an ex parte (temporary) order and a final order after a hearing.
Who can get a restraining order in Arkansas?
An adult family or household member can file. Covered relationships include spouses and former spouses, parents and children, blood relatives within the fourth degree, in-laws, children living in the household, people who live or lived together, people who have a child together, and people in a current or past dating relationship (not casual or business relationships).
Where do I file for a restraining order in Arkansas?
File in circuit court in the county where you live (including a county where you are staying short-term in a domestic violence shelter), where the abuse happened, or where the respondent can be served. Circuit clerks keep the forms and must give clerical help to people without a lawyer; shelter advocates can also help. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Does it cost money to get a restraining order in Arkansas?
No filing fee or service cost is charged to the petitioner. A judge may assess costs later if the allegations are found false after a hearing.
How fast can I get an emergency protective order in Arkansas?
If the petition shows an immediate and present danger of domestic abuse (or the respondent is being released from jail within 30 days and there will then be immediate danger), the court grants a temporary ex parte order if there is sufficient evidence. It lasts until the hearing date. If it is denied, you still have the right to a full hearing.
What happens at the restraining order hearing in Arkansas?
The hearing is set no later than 30 days after filing, or at the next court date, whichever is later. The respondent must be served at least 5 days before the hearing; if service cannot be made, a new date can be set.
How long does a restraining order last in Arkansas?
A final order lasts a fixed period set by the judge: at least 90 days and up to 10 years. It can be renewed at a later hearing if the court finds the threat of domestic abuse still exists.
What can a protective order do in Arkansas?
The judge can order the respondent out of a shared home, away from your work, school or other places, and to have no contact except as the order allows; award temporary custody, visitation and support; decide care of pets; award attorney's fees; and order other relief needed for protection. The court can order police to help you get possession of the home or your belongings. Your home or work address can be left off documents.
Does a protective order affect firearms in Arkansas?
The court's order of protection form warns that a person subject to an order of protection may be prohibited by federal law (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(8)) from shipping, transporting or possessing firearms or ammunition.
How is a restraining order served in Arkansas?
The petition, any ex parte order, and the hearing notice are served on the respondent at least 5 days before the hearing under civil-procedure rules. No service cost is charged to the petitioner.
What happens if someone violates a protective order in Arkansas?
Violating an order of protection is a Class A misdemeanor (up to one year in jail and a fine). A violation within five years of a prior conviction is a Class D felony. Police may arrest without a warrant on probable cause, and orders are enforceable in every county.
Can a minor get a restraining order in Arkansas?
An adult family or household member can file on behalf of a minor (including a married minor), and an employee or volunteer of a domestic-violence shelter or program can file 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.