How to Get a Restraining Order in Missouri
In Missouri these are called Order of Protection (ex parte and full) under the Adult Abuse Act; Child Order of Protection. 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 Missouri
- Cost
- Free. No filing fees, court costs or bond may be charged to the petitioner. The court may order the respondent to pay court costs. RSMo §455.027; §455.050.3(11)
- Emergency / temporary orders
- The court may immediately issue an ex parte order of protection, without the respondent present, for good cause; an immediate and present danger of domestic violence counts as good cause. RSMo §455.035; §455.038
- How long an order lasts
- A full order lasts at least 180 days and no more than 1 year. If the court makes written findings that the respondent poses a serious danger to you or a minor in your household, it lasts 2 to 10 years. RSMo §455.040.1
- Where to ask
- Circuit court in the county where you live, where the incident happened, or where the respondent can be served. Orders are effective statewide. RSMo §455.015; §455.020.3
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 | Adult orders of protection for domestic violence by a family or household member, and for victims of stalking or sexual assault by anyone; and child orders of protection filed on behalf of a child. Each can start with an ex parte order and become a full order after a hearing. |
|---|---|
| Who can ask for an order | An adult (17 or older, or emancipated) who has been subject to domestic violence by a present or former family or household member: spouses and former spouses, relatives by blood or marriage, people who live or have lived together, people in a current or past romantic or intimate relationship, and people with a child in common. Any person who has been a victim of stalking or sexual assault may also file, regardless of relationship. Leaving the home to avoid violence does not affect your right to file. |
| Where to ask | Circuit court in the county where you live, where the incident happened, or where the respondent can be served. Orders are effective statewide. Source: RSMo §455.015; §455.020.3 |
| Cost | Free. No filing fees, court costs or bond may be charged to the petitioner. The court may order the respondent to pay court costs. Source: RSMo §455.027; §455.050.3(11) |
Emergency orders and the hearing
| Emergency / temporary orders | The court may immediately issue an ex parte order of protection, without the respondent present, for good cause; an immediate and present danger of domestic violence counts as good cause. It takes effect when entered and lasts until the respondent is served and a hearing is held. You can ask the circuit clerk how to be notified when the ex parte order is served. Source: RSMo §455.035; §455.038 |
|---|---|
| Serving the order | The court has the petition, hearing notice and any ex parte order served on the respondent by a sheriff or police officer, with priority over most other service. A full order is served or mailed by certified mail. Failure to serve does not make the order invalid. No fees are charged to the petitioner. Source: RSMo §455.040.2; §455.027 |
| The court hearing | A hearing is held no later than 15 days after the petition is filed, unless continued for good cause. The respondent must be served at least 3 days before the hearing. You must prove the allegations by a preponderance of the evidence. Source: RSMo §455.040.1(1), .2 |
| How long an order lasts | A full order lasts at least 180 days and no more than 1 year. If the court makes written findings that the respondent poses a serious danger to you or a minor in your household, it lasts 2 to 10 years. Orders can be renewed on your motion after a hearing (a new act of abuse is not required); with a serious-danger finding, renewals can last up to the life of the respondent. The court can also make renewal automatic unless the respondent objects 30 days before expiration. Source: RSMo §455.040.1 |
What the order does
| What an order can require | Bar the respondent from abuse, stalking, sexual assault, cyberstalking, disturbing your peace (including harming a pet), entering your home in specified situations, and communicating with you. After a full hearing the court may also award child custody, set visitation, order child support or maintenance, order rent or mortgage payments, give you temporary possession of property like a car and keys, bar disposing of shared property, order batterer counseling or substance abuse treatment, order payment for shelter services, medical costs and court costs, and award possession and care of a pet. Source: RSMo §455.050 |
|---|---|
| If the order is violated | Violating key terms of an ex parte or full order (violence, stalking, sexual assault, custody, contact initiated by the respondent, entering your home, work or school, or a stay-away distance) after notice is a class A misdemeanor; a repeat violation within 5 years is a class E felony. Police must arrest when they have probable cause that a respondent with notice committed abuse in violation of the order, even if they did not see it. Source: RSMo §455.085.2, .7, .8 |
Children and privacy
| Minors and children | A child order of protection can be filed by a parent or guardian of the child, a guardian ad litem or court-appointed special advocate, or the juvenile officer, in the county where the child lives, where the incident happened, or where the respondent can be served. People 17 and older are adults under this law and can file for themselves. Source: RSMo §455.503; §455.010(2)-(3) |
|---|---|
| Keeping your address private | Missouri's Safe at Home address confidentiality program, run by the Secretary of State, gives survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, human trafficking, stalking or other crimes who fear future harm a designated address to use for new public records. Phone: (866) 509-1409. |
Forms and help in Missouri
Missouri protective order FAQ
What kinds of protective orders are available in Missouri?
Adult orders of protection for domestic violence by a family or household member, and for victims of stalking or sexual assault by anyone; and child orders of protection filed on behalf of a child. Each can start with an ex parte order and become a full order after a hearing.
Who can get a restraining order in Missouri?
An adult (17 or older, or emancipated) who has been subject to domestic violence by a present or former family or household member: spouses and former spouses, relatives by blood or marriage, people who live or have lived together, people in a current or past romantic or intimate relationship, and people with a child in common. Any person who has been a victim of stalking or sexual assault may also file, regardless of relationship. Leaving the home to avoid violence does not affect your right to file.
Where do I file for a restraining order in Missouri?
Circuit court in the county where you live, where the incident happened, or where the respondent can be served. Orders are effective statewide.
Does it cost money to get a restraining order in Missouri?
Free. No filing fees, court costs or bond may be charged to the petitioner. The court may order the respondent to pay court costs.
How fast can I get an emergency protective order in Missouri?
The court may immediately issue an ex parte order of protection, without the respondent present, for good cause; an immediate and present danger of domestic violence counts as good cause. It takes effect when entered and lasts until the respondent is served and a hearing is held. You can ask the circuit clerk how to be notified when the ex parte order is served.
What happens at the restraining order hearing in Missouri?
A hearing is held no later than 15 days after the petition is filed, unless continued for good cause. The respondent must be served at least 3 days before the hearing. You must prove the allegations by a preponderance of the evidence.
How long does a restraining order last in Missouri?
A full order lasts at least 180 days and no more than 1 year. If the court makes written findings that the respondent poses a serious danger to you or a minor in your household, it lasts 2 to 10 years. Orders can be renewed on your motion after a hearing (a new act of abuse is not required); with a serious-danger finding, renewals can last up to the life of the respondent. The court can also make renewal automatic unless the respondent objects 30 days before expiration.
What can a protective order do in Missouri?
Bar the respondent from abuse, stalking, sexual assault, cyberstalking, disturbing your peace (including harming a pet), entering your home in specified situations, and communicating with you. After a full hearing the court may also award child custody, set visitation, order child support or maintenance, order rent or mortgage payments, give you temporary possession of property like a car and keys, bar disposing of shared property, order batterer counseling or substance abuse treatment, order payment for shelter services, medical costs and court costs, and award possession and care of a pet.
How is a restraining order served in Missouri?
The court has the petition, hearing notice and any ex parte order served on the respondent by a sheriff or police officer, with priority over most other service. A full order is served or mailed by certified mail. Failure to serve does not make the order invalid. No fees are charged to the petitioner.
What happens if someone violates a protective order in Missouri?
Violating key terms of an ex parte or full order (violence, stalking, sexual assault, custody, contact initiated by the respondent, entering your home, work or school, or a stay-away distance) after notice is a class A misdemeanor; a repeat violation within 5 years is a class E felony. Police must arrest when they have probable cause that a respondent with notice committed abuse in violation of the order, even if they did not see it.
Can a minor get a restraining order in Missouri?
A child order of protection can be filed by a parent or guardian of the child, a guardian ad litem or court-appointed special advocate, or the juvenile officer, in the county where the child lives, where the incident happened, or where the respondent can be served. People 17 and older are adults under this law and can file for themselves.
Can I keep my address confidential in Missouri?
Missouri's Safe at Home address confidentiality program, run by the Secretary of State, gives survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, rape, human trafficking, stalking or other crimes who fear future harm a designated address to use for new public records. Phone: (866) 509-1409.
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.