How to Get a Restraining Order in Iowa
In Iowa these are called Domestic Abuse Protective 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 Iowa
- Cost
- The filing fee and court costs are waived for the plaintiff, and the clerk, sheriff and other officers serve papers without charge. The court may order the defendant to pay these fees. Iowa Code § 236.3(3)
- Emergency / temporary orders
- The court can enter a temporary order in an ex parte proceeding on good cause (present danger of abuse), including temporary custody, visitation and pet orders. Iowa Code §§ 236.4(2), 236.6
- How long an order lasts
- A protective order or consent agreement lasts a fixed period up to one year. It can be extended after a hearing if the defendant continues to pose a threat; there is no limit on the number of extensions. Iowa Code § 236.5(3)
- Where to ask
- File a verified petition in district court in the county where either party lives. The clerk provides standard pro se forms, and a county attorney's office may help people who cannot afford a lawyer. Iowa Code §§ 236.3(1), 236.3A, 236.3B, 236.6, 236.7(2)
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 abuse protective orders (temporary, emergency and final) under Iowa Code chapter 236. Iowa also has sexual abuse protective orders (chapter 236A) and criminal no-contact orders (chapter 664A). Source: Iowa Code chs. 236, 236A, 664A |
|---|---|
| Who can ask for an order | Domestic abuse means assault between: family or household members who lived together at the time; separated or divorced spouses; parents of the same minor child; people who lived together as family or household members within the past year; or people in a current or past intimate relationship with contact within the past year. Family or household members include spouses, people living together, parents, and other relatives by blood or marriage. Source: Iowa Code § 236.2 |
| Where to ask | File a verified petition in district court in the county where either party lives. The clerk provides standard pro se forms, and a county attorney's office may help people who cannot afford a lawyer. When court is closed, a designated judge can grant emergency relief. Leaving home to avoid abuse does not affect your right to relief. |
| Cost | The filing fee and court costs are waived for the plaintiff, and the clerk, sheriff and other officers serve papers without charge. The court may order the defendant to pay these fees. Source: Iowa Code § 236.3(3) |
Emergency orders and the hearing
| Emergency / temporary orders | The court can enter a temporary order in an ex parte proceeding on good cause (present danger of abuse), including temporary custody, visitation and pet orders. After hours, an emergency order from a designated judge lasts 72 hours; you can then seek a temporary order. Source: Iowa Code §§ 236.4(2), 236.6 |
|---|---|
| Serving the order | The sheriff or other law enforcement serves the defendant at no charge to you; officers may use a short-form notification instead of personal service. Source: Iowa Code § 236.3(3)(b) |
| The court hearing | A hearing is held 5 to 15 days after the case starts, with notice to the other party; you must prove domestic abuse by a preponderance of the evidence. Temporary orders can be extended if the hearing is continued. Source: Iowa Code § 236.4(1),(5) |
| How long an order lasts | A protective order or consent agreement lasts a fixed period up to one year. It can be extended after a hearing if the defendant continues to pose a threat; there is no limit on the number of extensions. Source: Iowa Code § 236.5(3) |
What the order does
| What an order can require | The order can require the defendant to stop abuse; not possess firearms, offensive weapons or ammunition; give you possession of the home or provide other housing; stay away from your home, school or work; and can award temporary custody and safe visitation, support, care of pets, counseling, and attorney fees and costs. Source: Iowa Code § 236.5(1),(5) |
|---|---|
| Firearms | A final protective order can prohibit the defendant from knowingly possessing, shipping, transporting or receiving firearms, offensive weapons and ammunition. Temporary orders must warn that relinquishment may be required when a permanent order issues. |
| If the order is violated | Violating a protective order is punishable by contempt or as a simple misdemeanor, and carries a mandatory jail sentence (served on consecutive days) that cannot be deferred or suspended. Source: Iowa Code § 664A.7 |
Children and privacy
| Minors and children | A parent or guardian can file on behalf of an unemancipated minor. If the person being restrained is 17 or younger, the case goes to juvenile court. |
|---|---|
| Keeping your address private | Iowa's address confidentiality program (Safe at Home), run by the Secretary of State, certifies victims of domestic abuse, sexual abuse, assault, stalking or human trafficking to use a designated substitute address. Source: Iowa Code ch. 9E |
Forms and help in Iowa
- Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence — Iowa Victim Service Call Center — 1-800-770-1650 (call) or text IOWAHELP to 20121
- Free legal aid in Iowa
Iowa protective order FAQ
What kinds of protective orders are available in Iowa?
Domestic abuse protective orders (temporary, emergency and final) under Iowa Code chapter 236. Iowa also has sexual abuse protective orders (chapter 236A) and criminal no-contact orders (chapter 664A).
Who can get a restraining order in Iowa?
Domestic abuse means assault between: family or household members who lived together at the time; separated or divorced spouses; parents of the same minor child; people who lived together as family or household members within the past year; or people in a current or past intimate relationship with contact within the past year. Family or household members include spouses, people living together, parents, and other relatives by blood or marriage.
Where do I file for a restraining order in Iowa?
File a verified petition in district court in the county where either party lives. The clerk provides standard pro se forms, and a county attorney's office may help people who cannot afford a lawyer. When court is closed, a designated judge can grant emergency relief. Leaving home to avoid abuse does not affect your right to relief.
Does it cost money to get a restraining order in Iowa?
The filing fee and court costs are waived for the plaintiff, and the clerk, sheriff and other officers serve papers without charge. The court may order the defendant to pay these fees.
How fast can I get an emergency protective order in Iowa?
The court can enter a temporary order in an ex parte proceeding on good cause (present danger of abuse), including temporary custody, visitation and pet orders. After hours, an emergency order from a designated judge lasts 72 hours; you can then seek a temporary order.
What happens at the restraining order hearing in Iowa?
A hearing is held 5 to 15 days after the case starts, with notice to the other party; you must prove domestic abuse by a preponderance of the evidence. Temporary orders can be extended if the hearing is continued.
How long does a restraining order last in Iowa?
A protective order or consent agreement lasts a fixed period up to one year. It can be extended after a hearing if the defendant continues to pose a threat; there is no limit on the number of extensions.
What can a protective order do in Iowa?
The order can require the defendant to stop abuse; not possess firearms, offensive weapons or ammunition; give you possession of the home or provide other housing; stay away from your home, school or work; and can award temporary custody and safe visitation, support, care of pets, counseling, and attorney fees and costs.
Does a protective order affect firearms in Iowa?
A final protective order can prohibit the defendant from knowingly possessing, shipping, transporting or receiving firearms, offensive weapons and ammunition. Temporary orders must warn that relinquishment may be required when a permanent order issues.
How is a restraining order served in Iowa?
The sheriff or other law enforcement serves the defendant at no charge to you; officers may use a short-form notification instead of personal service.
What happens if someone violates a protective order in Iowa?
Violating a protective order is punishable by contempt or as a simple misdemeanor, and carries a mandatory jail sentence (served on consecutive days) that cannot be deferred or suspended.
Can a minor get a restraining order in Iowa?
A parent or guardian can file on behalf of an unemancipated minor. If the person being restrained is 17 or younger, the case goes to juvenile court.
Can I keep my address confidential in Iowa?
Iowa's address confidentiality program (Safe at Home), run by the Secretary of State, certifies victims of domestic abuse, sexual abuse, assault, stalking or human trafficking to use a designated substitute address.
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.