How to Get a Restraining Order in Kentucky
In Kentucky these are called Emergency Protective Order (EPO) and Domestic Violence Order (DVO) for family/household/unmarried-couple cases; Temporary Interpersonal Protective Order (TIPO) and Interpersonal Protective Order (IPO) for dating violence, stalking and sexual assault. 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 Kentucky
- Cost
- Free. No costs, fees or bond may be charged to the petitioner for filing, hearing, service, or the order. KRS 403.745(2)
- Emergency / temporary orders
- A judge or trial commissioner reviews the petition immediately. If it shows an immediate and present danger, the court issues an EPO (or TIPO) right away, without the respondent present. KRS 403.730(2); KRS 403.745(1); AOC booklet, Q7
- How long an order lasts
- A DVO lasts for the time the court sets, up to 3 years, and can be reissued for further periods of up to 3 years each. IPOs can also last up to 3 years. To extend, file a motion before the order expires. KRS 403.740(4); AOC booklet, Q1 and Q11
- Where to ask
- At the Office of Circuit Court Clerk in the county where you live, or in the county where you are staying if you left home to get away from the abuse. If the county has a family court, the petition is filed there. KRS 403.725(2), (6); AOC booklet, Q5
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 | Short-term orders: an Emergency Protective Order (EPO) in domestic violence cases, or a Temporary Interpersonal Protective Order (TIPO) in dating violence, stalking or sexual assault cases. Long-term orders after a hearing: a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) or an Interpersonal Protective Order (IPO). The same petition form (Petition/Motion for Order of Protection) is used for all of them. |
|---|---|
| Who can ask for an order | Family members (spouse, former spouse, parent, child, stepchild, grandparent, grandchild, or anyone living in the same household as a child who is the victim); members of an unmarried couple who have a child in common or live or have lived together; people in a current or past dating relationship; and victims of stalking or sexual assault (no relationship needed). An adult may file on behalf of a minor. |
| Where to ask | At the Office of Circuit Court Clerk in the county where you live, or in the county where you are staying if you left home to get away from the abuse. If the county has a family court, the petition is filed there. Orders can be obtained 24 hours a day; after business hours, contact local law enforcement for help, and local domestic violence programs may also help (some shelters can file electronically). |
| Cost | Free. No costs, fees or bond may be charged to the petitioner for filing, hearing, service, or the order. Source: KRS 403.745(2) |
Emergency orders and the hearing
| Emergency / temporary orders | A judge or trial commissioner reviews the petition immediately. If it shows an immediate and present danger, the court issues an EPO (or TIPO) right away, without the respondent present. It lasts until the full hearing (usually within 14 days) unless extended or withdrawn; if the respondent has not been served, it can be continued until service, up to six months. An order takes effect once the respondent is served or told about it by police or the court. |
|---|---|
| Serving the order | Law enforcement serves the order or summons on the respondent, at no cost to the petitioner. You can call the 'agency assigned service' listed on the order to find out whether the respondent has been served. |
| The court hearing | The court sets an evidentiary hearing not more than 14 days after the petition is filed. Both sides and witnesses can testify. This may be the only hearing, so bring witnesses and evidence (police reports, photos, medical records, printed texts). You still need to attend even if you think you no longer need protection. |
| How long an order lasts | A DVO lasts for the time the court sets, up to 3 years, and can be reissued for further periods of up to 3 years each. IPOs can also last up to 3 years. To extend, file a motion before the order expires. |
What the order does
| What an order can require | The court can order the respondent not to commit further abuse, to have no unauthorized contact, to stay up to 500 feet away, to stay away from a described home, school or workplace, and not to damage or dispose of property; order the respondent to leave a shared home; grant temporary custody and temporary child support; order counseling; give the petitioner possession of a shared pet; and order anything else needed to stop future abuse. GPS monitoring may be ordered after certain violations. Source: KRS 403.740(1); KRS 403.761 |
|---|---|
| If the order is violated | Violating an order after being served or notified is contempt of court and a crime. It is a Class A misdemeanor; a third or later violation within 5 years that involves physical force or a threat of physical harm is a Class D felony. Police may arrest; you can also ask the issuing court for contempt or go to the county attorney. Source: KRS 403.763 |
Children and privacy
| Minors and children | An adult may file on behalf of a minor victim. Cases involving minors follow juvenile-court safeguards and confidentiality rules, and a guardian ad litem is appointed for an unrepresented minor petitioner at the hearing. Source: KRS 403.725(1)(b); KRS 403.727 |
|---|---|
| Keeping your address private | Kentucky's Safe at Home Program, run by the Secretary of State, gives a designated substitute address to victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, rape, human trafficking and other sexual crimes, and the people living with them, at no cost. Separately, the court must leave the petitioner's address off orders and documents available to the public or the respondent. Source: KRS 14.302; KRS 403.745(9) |
Forms and help in Kentucky
- Kentucky courts: protective order help
- Official Kentucky protective order forms
- Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence (shelter locations listed in the AOC protective-order booklet)
- Free legal aid in Kentucky
Kentucky protective order FAQ
What kinds of protective orders are available in Kentucky?
Short-term orders: an Emergency Protective Order (EPO) in domestic violence cases, or a Temporary Interpersonal Protective Order (TIPO) in dating violence, stalking or sexual assault cases. Long-term orders after a hearing: a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) or an Interpersonal Protective Order (IPO). The same petition form (Petition/Motion for Order of Protection) is used for all of them.
Who can get a restraining order in Kentucky?
Family members (spouse, former spouse, parent, child, stepchild, grandparent, grandchild, or anyone living in the same household as a child who is the victim); members of an unmarried couple who have a child in common or live or have lived together; people in a current or past dating relationship; and victims of stalking or sexual assault (no relationship needed). An adult may file on behalf of a minor.
Where do I file for a restraining order in Kentucky?
At the Office of Circuit Court Clerk in the county where you live, or in the county where you are staying if you left home to get away from the abuse. If the county has a family court, the petition is filed there. Orders can be obtained 24 hours a day; after business hours, contact local law enforcement for help, and local domestic violence programs may also help (some shelters can file electronically).
Does it cost money to get a restraining order in Kentucky?
Free. No costs, fees or bond may be charged to the petitioner for filing, hearing, service, or the order.
How fast can I get an emergency protective order in Kentucky?
A judge or trial commissioner reviews the petition immediately. If it shows an immediate and present danger, the court issues an EPO (or TIPO) right away, without the respondent present. It lasts until the full hearing (usually within 14 days) unless extended or withdrawn; if the respondent has not been served, it can be continued until service, up to six months. An order takes effect once the respondent is served or told about it by police or the court.
What happens at the restraining order hearing in Kentucky?
The court sets an evidentiary hearing not more than 14 days after the petition is filed. Both sides and witnesses can testify. This may be the only hearing, so bring witnesses and evidence (police reports, photos, medical records, printed texts). You still need to attend even if you think you no longer need protection.
How long does a restraining order last in Kentucky?
A DVO lasts for the time the court sets, up to 3 years, and can be reissued for further periods of up to 3 years each. IPOs can also last up to 3 years. To extend, file a motion before the order expires.
What can a protective order do in Kentucky?
The court can order the respondent not to commit further abuse, to have no unauthorized contact, to stay up to 500 feet away, to stay away from a described home, school or workplace, and not to damage or dispose of property; order the respondent to leave a shared home; grant temporary custody and temporary child support; order counseling; give the petitioner possession of a shared pet; and order anything else needed to stop future abuse. GPS monitoring may be ordered after certain violations.
How is a restraining order served in Kentucky?
Law enforcement serves the order or summons on the respondent, at no cost to the petitioner. You can call the 'agency assigned service' listed on the order to find out whether the respondent has been served.
What happens if someone violates a protective order in Kentucky?
Violating an order after being served or notified is contempt of court and a crime. It is a Class A misdemeanor; a third or later violation within 5 years that involves physical force or a threat of physical harm is a Class D felony. Police may arrest; you can also ask the issuing court for contempt or go to the county attorney.
Can a minor get a restraining order in Kentucky?
An adult may file on behalf of a minor victim. Cases involving minors follow juvenile-court safeguards and confidentiality rules, and a guardian ad litem is appointed for an unrepresented minor petitioner at the hearing.
Can I keep my address confidential in Kentucky?
Kentucky's Safe at Home Program, run by the Secretary of State, gives a designated substitute address to victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, rape, human trafficking and other sexual crimes, and the people living with them, at no cost. Separately, the court must leave the petitioner's address off orders and documents available to the public or the respondent.
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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.