How to Get a Restraining Order in Connecticut
In Connecticut these are called Restraining Order (Relief From Abuse); Civil Protection 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 Connecticut
- Cost
- The cost of serving the papers, including mileage, is paid by the Judicial Branch. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-15(h)(1)
- Emergency / temporary orders
- If you allege an immediate and present physical danger, the judge may issue an ex parte (temporary) order without a hearing. An ex parte order remains in effect until the hearing; Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-15(b),(c)
- How long an order lasts
- An order lasts up to one year and can be extended by the court on the applicant's motion for as long as the court finds necessary. Certain financial orders for spouses or co-parents expire after 120 days. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-15(e),(g)
- Where to ask
- Apply to the Superior Court using the Application for Relief From Abuse (JD-FM-137) with a sworn affidavit. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-15(a),(b); form JD-FM-137
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 | Restraining order (relief from abuse) for family or household members, available ex parte and after a hearing; and civil protection order for victims of sexual abuse, sexual assault or stalking who do not qualify for a restraining order. |
|---|---|
| Who can ask for an order | A family or household member who is a victim of domestic violence by another family or household member, regardless of age: spouses or former spouses; parents and children; people related by blood or marriage; people who live or have lived together; people who have a child together; and people in, or recently in, a dating relationship. Victims of sexual abuse, sexual assault or stalking without such a relationship may apply for a civil protection order. |
| Where to ask | Apply to the Superior Court using the Application for Relief From Abuse (JD-FM-137) with a sworn affidavit. You may use a separate mailing address, including a Safe at Home address, and can request nondisclosure of your location (JD-FM-188). |
| Cost | The cost of serving the papers, including mileage, is paid by the Judicial Branch. Filing fee not confirmed in the sources read. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-15(h)(1) |
Emergency orders and the hearing
| Emergency / temporary orders | If you allege an immediate and present physical danger, the judge may issue an ex parte (temporary) order without a hearing. An ex parte order remains in effect until the hearing; if the respondent has not been served, it can be extended up to 14 days from the original hearing date at your request. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-15(b),(c) |
|---|---|
| Serving the order | A proper officer (such as a state marshal) serves the respondent at least three days before the hearing, paid for by the Judicial Branch. If the respondent may have firearms, in-hand service is attempted with local police notified and possibly present. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-15(h) |
| The court hearing | A hearing is held within 14 days of the court's order on the application, or within 7 days of an ex parte order if the application says the respondent has firearms, ammunition or gun permits. The respondent must be served at least three days before the hearing. Applicants may elect to testify remotely in related family court proceedings. |
| How long an order lasts | An order lasts up to one year and can be extended by the court on the applicant's motion for as long as the court finds necessary. Certain financial orders for spouses or co-parents expire after 120 days. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 46b-15(e),(g) |
What the order does
| What an order can require | The court can order the respondent not to restrain, threaten, harass, assault, stalk or attack you; to stay away from your home and stay 100 yards away; not to contact you; to protect your minor children and animals; and can make temporary custody or visitation orders. For spouses or co-parents living together, it can also order continued utilities, insurance, rent/mortgage payments, child support, and temporary possession of a car, keys and ID documents. |
|---|---|
| Firearms | A person subject to a restraining or protective order issued after notice, in a case involving physical force or threats of force, must within 24 hours sell or transfer firearms and ammunition to a licensed dealer or surrender them to the state police commissioner or local police. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 29-36k(b) |
| If the order is violated | Violating a restraining order by not staying away or by contacting the protected person is a class D felony (up to five years); restraining, threatening, harassing, assaulting or attacking them is a class C felony (up to ten years). Entering a home in violation can also be criminal trespass in the first degree. Violating a civil protection order is a class D felony. |
Children and privacy
| Minors and children | A person under 18 can apply with a parent, guardian or responsible adult as next friend; the minor speaks for themselves at the hearing unless there is good cause. You can also ask that the order protect your minor children. |
|---|---|
| Keeping your address private | Connecticut has the Safe at Home address confidentiality program; the court's application form lets you use a Safe at Home address as your mailing address. Source: Form JD-FM-137 |
Forms and help in Connecticut
- Official Connecticut protective order forms
- Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CT Safe Connect) — (888) 774-2900 (CT Safe Connect, call or text 24/7)
- Free legal aid in Connecticut
Connecticut protective order FAQ
What kinds of protective orders are available in Connecticut?
Restraining order (relief from abuse) for family or household members, available ex parte and after a hearing; and civil protection order for victims of sexual abuse, sexual assault or stalking who do not qualify for a restraining order.
Who can get a restraining order in Connecticut?
A family or household member who is a victim of domestic violence by another family or household member, regardless of age: spouses or former spouses; parents and children; people related by blood or marriage; people who live or have lived together; people who have a child together; and people in, or recently in, a dating relationship. Victims of sexual abuse, sexual assault or stalking without such a relationship may apply for a civil protection order.
Where do I file for a restraining order in Connecticut?
Apply to the Superior Court using the Application for Relief From Abuse (JD-FM-137) with a sworn affidavit. You may use a separate mailing address, including a Safe at Home address, and can request nondisclosure of your location (JD-FM-188).
Does it cost money to get a restraining order in Connecticut?
The cost of serving the papers, including mileage, is paid by the Judicial Branch.
How fast can I get an emergency protective order in Connecticut?
If you allege an immediate and present physical danger, the judge may issue an ex parte (temporary) order without a hearing. An ex parte order remains in effect until the hearing; if the respondent has not been served, it can be extended up to 14 days from the original hearing date at your request.
What happens at the restraining order hearing in Connecticut?
A hearing is held within 14 days of the court's order on the application, or within 7 days of an ex parte order if the application says the respondent has firearms, ammunition or gun permits. The respondent must be served at least three days before the hearing. Applicants may elect to testify remotely in related family court proceedings.
How long does a restraining order last in Connecticut?
An order lasts up to one year and can be extended by the court on the applicant's motion for as long as the court finds necessary. Certain financial orders for spouses or co-parents expire after 120 days.
What can a protective order do in Connecticut?
The court can order the respondent not to restrain, threaten, harass, assault, stalk or attack you; to stay away from your home and stay 100 yards away; not to contact you; to protect your minor children and animals; and can make temporary custody or visitation orders. For spouses or co-parents living together, it can also order continued utilities, insurance, rent/mortgage payments, child support, and temporary possession of a car, keys and ID documents.
Does a protective order affect firearms in Connecticut?
A person subject to a restraining or protective order issued after notice, in a case involving physical force or threats of force, must within 24 hours sell or transfer firearms and ammunition to a licensed dealer or surrender them to the state police commissioner or local police.
How is a restraining order served in Connecticut?
A proper officer (such as a state marshal) serves the respondent at least three days before the hearing, paid for by the Judicial Branch. If the respondent may have firearms, in-hand service is attempted with local police notified and possibly present.
What happens if someone violates a protective order in Connecticut?
Violating a restraining order by not staying away or by contacting the protected person is a class D felony (up to five years); restraining, threatening, harassing, assaulting or attacking them is a class C felony (up to ten years). Entering a home in violation can also be criminal trespass in the first degree. Violating a civil protection order is a class D felony.
Can a minor get a restraining order in Connecticut?
A person under 18 can apply with a parent, guardian or responsible adult as next friend; the minor speaks for themselves at the hearing unless there is good cause. You can also ask that the order protect your minor children.
Can I keep my address confidential in Connecticut?
Connecticut has the Safe at Home address confidentiality program; the court's application form lets you use a Safe at Home address as your mailing address.
Protective orders in other states
More Connecticut law
- Connecticut tenant rights & landlord-tenant law
- Connecticut small claims court
- Connecticut wills, probate & estates
- Connecticut employment law
- Connecticut debt & collections
- Connecticut unemployment benefits
- Connecticut divorce & family law
- Connecticut expungement & criminal records
- Connecticut traffic tickets & dui
- Connecticut personal injury & wrongful death
- Connecticut workers' compensation
- Connecticut foreclosure & homeowner law
- Connecticut consumer protection
- Connecticut starting an llc & small business
- Connecticut bankruptcy
- Connecticut car insurance & vehicle laws
- Connecticut property tax & homestead exemptions
- Connecticut criminal law
- Connecticut gun laws
- Find a lawyer or free legal help in Connecticut
- All Connecticut 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.