How to Get a Restraining Order in Kansas
In Kansas these are called Protection from Abuse (PFA) order; Protection from Stalking, Sexual Assault or Human Trafficking 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 Kansas
- Cost
- No docket (filing) fee is required for PFA proceedings. No service fee is charged for a motion to extend an order under the extended-order provision. K.S.A. 60-3104(d), 60-3107(e)(2)
- Emergency / temporary orders
- A judge can grant temporary orders ex parte when there is immediate and present danger of abuse. After hours, an emergency order lasts until 5:00 p.m. on the first day court reopens, when you can seek a temporary order. K.S.A. 60-3105, 60-3106(b)
- How long an order lasts
- A final order lasts a fixed period of 1 to 2 years. It can be extended for 1 to 3 more years on your motion. K.S.A. 60-3107(e)
- Where to ask
- File a verified petition with any district judge or the district court clerk. The clerk supplies forms prescribed by the Judicial Council. K.S.A. 60-3104(a),(c), 60-3105(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 | Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders for intimate partners and household members, including emergency, temporary and final orders. Kansas also has Protection from Stalking, Sexual Assault or Human Trafficking orders. |
|---|---|
| Who can ask for an order | An intimate partner or household member: someone you are dating or have dated, live with or used to live with, or have a child with. A dating relationship is presumed if you verify it under oath. |
| Where to ask | File a verified petition with any district judge or the district court clerk. The clerk supplies forms prescribed by the Judicial Council. When the court is closed, a petition with a proposed order can be presented to any district judge for emergency relief. |
| Cost | No docket (filing) fee is required for PFA proceedings. No service fee is charged for a motion to extend an order under the extended-order provision. Whether sheriff service of the initial petition is free was not separately confirmed. Source: K.S.A. 60-3104(d), 60-3107(e)(2) |
Emergency orders and the hearing
| Emergency / temporary orders | A judge can grant temporary orders ex parte when there is immediate and present danger of abuse. After hours, an emergency order lasts until 5:00 p.m. on the first day court reopens, when you can seek a temporary order. Source: K.S.A. 60-3105, 60-3106(b) |
|---|---|
| Serving the order | Service must be by personal service, not certified mail. Who serves (sheriff) not stated in the section read. Source: K.S.A. 60-3104(d) |
| The court hearing | A hearing is held within 21 days after the petition is filed. You must prove abuse by a preponderance of the evidence; both sides can present evidence and have a lawyer. Temporary orders can be extended if the hearing is continued. Source: K.S.A. 60-3106(a),(c) |
| How long an order lasts | A final order lasts a fixed period of 1 to 2 years. It can be extended for 1 to 3 more years on your motion. If the defendant violated a protection order or was convicted of a person felony against you or your household, the court must extend it at least one year and may extend it up to the defendant's lifetime. Source: K.S.A. 60-3107(e) |
What the order does
| What an order can require | The court can order the defendant not to abuse, molest or interfere with you or the children (including electronic tracking); give you possession of the home and keep the defendant out; require alternate housing; award temporary custody, residency and parenting time; have police evict the defendant or help you get belongings; order support (up to one year), costs and attorney fees, counseling; prevent cancelling utilities (60 days); and order other safety measures. Source: K.S.A. 60-3107(a) |
|---|---|
| If the order is violated | Knowingly violating a PFA order is a class A person misdemeanor; violating an extended (up to lifetime) order is a severity level 6 person felony. Entering a home in violation can also be criminal trespass, and abuse can also be charged as assault, battery or domestic battery. Source: K.S.A. 21-5924(b), 60-3107(h) |
Children and privacy
| Minors and children | A parent of the minor child, an adult who lives with the child, or the child's court-appointed legal custodian or guardian can file on the child's behalf. Source: K.S.A. 60-3104(b) |
|---|---|
| Keeping your address private | Kansas has an address confidentiality program for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking or stalking; participants can use a substitute address designated by the Attorney General with state and local agencies. Source: K.S.A. 75-451 to 75-458 |
Forms and help in Kansas
- Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence (KCSDV) — 1-888-363-2287 (SafeLine Kansas, 1-888-END-ABUSE) or text SAFE to 847411
- Free legal aid in Kansas
Kansas protective order FAQ
What kinds of protective orders are available in Kansas?
Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders for intimate partners and household members, including emergency, temporary and final orders. Kansas also has Protection from Stalking, Sexual Assault or Human Trafficking orders.
Who can get a restraining order in Kansas?
An intimate partner or household member: someone you are dating or have dated, live with or used to live with, or have a child with. A dating relationship is presumed if you verify it under oath.
Where do I file for a restraining order in Kansas?
File a verified petition with any district judge or the district court clerk. The clerk supplies forms prescribed by the Judicial Council. When the court is closed, a petition with a proposed order can be presented to any district judge for emergency relief.
Does it cost money to get a restraining order in Kansas?
No docket (filing) fee is required for PFA proceedings. No service fee is charged for a motion to extend an order under the extended-order provision.
How fast can I get an emergency protective order in Kansas?
A judge can grant temporary orders ex parte when there is immediate and present danger of abuse. After hours, an emergency order lasts until 5:00 p.m. on the first day court reopens, when you can seek a temporary order.
What happens at the restraining order hearing in Kansas?
A hearing is held within 21 days after the petition is filed. You must prove abuse by a preponderance of the evidence; both sides can present evidence and have a lawyer. Temporary orders can be extended if the hearing is continued.
How long does a restraining order last in Kansas?
A final order lasts a fixed period of 1 to 2 years. It can be extended for 1 to 3 more years on your motion. If the defendant violated a protection order or was convicted of a person felony against you or your household, the court must extend it at least one year and may extend it up to the defendant's lifetime.
What can a protective order do in Kansas?
The court can order the defendant not to abuse, molest or interfere with you or the children (including electronic tracking); give you possession of the home and keep the defendant out; require alternate housing; award temporary custody, residency and parenting time; have police evict the defendant or help you get belongings; order support (up to one year), costs and attorney fees, counseling; prevent cancelling utilities (60 days); and order other safety measures.
How is a restraining order served in Kansas?
Service must be by personal service, not certified mail.
What happens if someone violates a protective order in Kansas?
Knowingly violating a PFA order is a class A person misdemeanor; violating an extended (up to lifetime) order is a severity level 6 person felony. Entering a home in violation can also be criminal trespass, and abuse can also be charged as assault, battery or domestic battery.
Can a minor get a restraining order in Kansas?
A parent of the minor child, an adult who lives with the child, or the child's court-appointed legal custodian or guardian can file on the child's behalf.
Can I keep my address confidential in Kansas?
Kansas has an address confidentiality program for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking or stalking; participants can use a substitute address designated by the Attorney General with state and local agencies.
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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.