How to Get a Restraining Order in Illinois
In Illinois these are called Order of Protection (emergency, interim, plenary). 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 Illinois
- Cost
- Free. The clerk may not charge to file, amend, vacate, certify or copy petitions or orders, and the sheriff may not charge to serve them. 750 ILCS 60/202(b)
- Emergency / temporary orders
- An emergency order of protection can be issued without notice to the respondent when giving notice would likely cause the harm the remedy is meant to prevent. It lasts at least 14 and no more than 21 days. 750 ILCS 60/202(a-5), 60/217, 60/220(a)
- How long an order lasts
- A plenary order lasts a fixed period up to two years (orders entered within another case can last until that case ends). Any order can be extended one or more times. 750 ILCS 60/220(b),(e)
- Where to ask
- File in person or online in civil court in any county where you live, where the respondent lives, where the abuse happened, or where you are temporarily staying after leaving home to avoid abuse. 750 ILCS 60/202(a), (a-1), 60/209(a)
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 | Orders of protection under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act: emergency, 30-day interim, and plenary orders. (Illinois also has separate stalking no contact, civil no contact and firearms restraining order laws.) Source: 750 ILCS 60/217–219 |
|---|---|
| Who can ask for an order | A person abused by a family or household member: spouses and former spouses; parents, children, stepchildren and others related by blood or marriage; people who share or shared a home; people who have (or allegedly have) a child in common or a blood relationship through a child; people in a current or past dating or engagement relationship (not casual acquaintances); and people with disabilities and their personal assistants or caregivers. Certain foster, adoptive and guardian parents abused by a child's family member can also file. Amendments by P.A. 104-754 (eff. 1-1-2027) and P.A. 104-835 (eff. 1-1-2028) are pending; text reflects the version in effect on 2026-10-25. Source: 750 ILCS 60/103(6), 60/201 |
| Where to ask | File in person or online in civil court in any county where you live, where the respondent lives, where the abuse happened, or where you are temporarily staying after leaving home to avoid abuse. A petition can also be filed within a divorce, parentage or other related case, or with a criminal case. Statewide standardized forms must be accepted by all Illinois courts. |
| Cost | Free. The clerk may not charge to file, amend, vacate, certify or copy petitions or orders, and the sheriff may not charge to serve them. Source: 750 ILCS 60/202(b) |
Emergency orders and the hearing
| Emergency / temporary orders | An emergency order of protection can be issued without notice to the respondent when giving notice would likely cause the harm the remedy is meant to prevent. It lasts at least 14 and no more than 21 days. An emergency petition and order are not public until served. Emergency orders cannot include counseling, legal custody, support or money awards. Amendments by P.A. 104-754 (eff. 1-1-2027) and P.A. 104-835 (eff. 1-1-2028) are pending; text reflects the version in effect on 2026-10-25. |
|---|---|
| Serving the order | The sheriff serves the petition and orders at no charge. Source: 750 ILCS 60/202(b) |
| The court hearing | A plenary (final) order requires that the respondent be served with notice of the hearing and either appear or be in default. If the respondent has been served or appeared, a 30-day interim order can be entered while the case continues. |
| How long an order lasts | A plenary order lasts a fixed period up to two years (orders entered within another case can last until that case ends). Any order can be extended one or more times. Amendments by P.A. 104-754 (eff. 1-1-2027) and P.A. 104-835 (eff. 1-1-2028) are pending; text reflects the version in effect on 2026-10-25. Source: 750 ILCS 60/220(b),(e) |
What the order does
| What an order can require | Remedies include prohibiting abuse, stay-away orders, exclusive possession of the home, temporary physical care and possession of children, preventing removal or concealment of a child, possession and protection of personal property, prohibiting entry, prohibiting firearm possession, blocking access to records, and other injunctive relief; after notice, counseling, custody, support and money remedies may also be ordered. Source: 750 ILCS 60/214(b), 60/217(a) |
|---|---|
| Firearms | When the order meets legal requirements (for example, after a hearing with notice or on an emergency showing, restraining use of force or threats, with a finding of a credible threat), the court can prohibit possessing firearms and firearm parts and must order them surrendered: any on the respondent or at the place of service go to the serving officers, and others to local law enforcement within 24 hours of service. FOID and concealed carry cards are also affected. Source: 750 ILCS 60/214(b)(14.5) |
| If the order is violated | Knowingly violating key parts of an order (such as no abuse, exclusive possession, stay-away, no entry, or firearm terms) is the crime of violation of an order of protection, and violating child-custody terms can be child abduction. It can be prosecuted along with any other crime. Penalty class under 720 ILCS 5/12-3. |
Children and privacy
| Minors and children | Any person can file on behalf of a minor child who was abused by a family or household member. Minor children in the care of a protected person are also protected. Source: 750 ILCS 60/201(a)(iii), (b)(i) |
|---|---|
| Keeping your address private | The Illinois Attorney General's Address Confidentiality Program gives victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and stalking a substitute address to use with state and local agencies. Enrollment is free and does not require a police report or protective order. The program cannot remove addresses already in public records and is not a relocation program; the AG encourages working with an advocate on a safety plan. |
Forms and help in Illinois
- Illinois courts: protective order help
- Official Illinois protective order forms
- Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ILCADV) — (877) 863-6338 (Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline)
- Free legal aid in Illinois
Illinois protective order FAQ
What kinds of protective orders are available in Illinois?
Orders of protection under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act: emergency, 30-day interim, and plenary orders. (Illinois also has separate stalking no contact, civil no contact and firearms restraining order laws.)
Who can get a restraining order in Illinois?
A person abused by a family or household member: spouses and former spouses; parents, children, stepchildren and others related by blood or marriage; people who share or shared a home; people who have (or allegedly have) a child in common or a blood relationship through a child; people in a current or past dating or engagement relationship (not casual acquaintances); and people with disabilities and their personal assistants or caregivers. Certain foster, adoptive and guardian parents abused by a child's family member can also file.
Where do I file for a restraining order in Illinois?
File in person or online in civil court in any county where you live, where the respondent lives, where the abuse happened, or where you are temporarily staying after leaving home to avoid abuse. A petition can also be filed within a divorce, parentage or other related case, or with a criminal case. Statewide standardized forms must be accepted by all Illinois courts.
Does it cost money to get a restraining order in Illinois?
Free. The clerk may not charge to file, amend, vacate, certify or copy petitions or orders, and the sheriff may not charge to serve them.
How fast can I get an emergency protective order in Illinois?
An emergency order of protection can be issued without notice to the respondent when giving notice would likely cause the harm the remedy is meant to prevent. It lasts at least 14 and no more than 21 days. An emergency petition and order are not public until served. Emergency orders cannot include counseling, legal custody, support or money awards.
What happens at the restraining order hearing in Illinois?
A plenary (final) order requires that the respondent be served with notice of the hearing and either appear or be in default. If the respondent has been served or appeared, a 30-day interim order can be entered while the case continues.
How long does a restraining order last in Illinois?
A plenary order lasts a fixed period up to two years (orders entered within another case can last until that case ends). Any order can be extended one or more times.
What can a protective order do in Illinois?
Remedies include prohibiting abuse, stay-away orders, exclusive possession of the home, temporary physical care and possession of children, preventing removal or concealment of a child, possession and protection of personal property, prohibiting entry, prohibiting firearm possession, blocking access to records, and other injunctive relief; after notice, counseling, custody, support and money remedies may also be ordered.
Does a protective order affect firearms in Illinois?
When the order meets legal requirements (for example, after a hearing with notice or on an emergency showing, restraining use of force or threats, with a finding of a credible threat), the court can prohibit possessing firearms and firearm parts and must order them surrendered: any on the respondent or at the place of service go to the serving officers, and others to local law enforcement within 24 hours of service. FOID and concealed carry cards are also affected.
How is a restraining order served in Illinois?
The sheriff serves the petition and orders at no charge.
What happens if someone violates a protective order in Illinois?
Knowingly violating key parts of an order (such as no abuse, exclusive possession, stay-away, no entry, or firearm terms) is the crime of violation of an order of protection, and violating child-custody terms can be child abduction. It can be prosecuted along with any other crime.
Can a minor get a restraining order in Illinois?
Any person can file on behalf of a minor child who was abused by a family or household member. Minor children in the care of a protected person are also protected.
Can I keep my address confidential in Illinois?
The Illinois Attorney General's Address Confidentiality Program gives victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and stalking a substitute address to use with state and local agencies. Enrollment is free and does not require a police report or protective order.
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.