How to Get a Restraining Order in New Jersey
In New Jersey these are called Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and Final Restraining Order (FRO) under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act. 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 New Jersey
- Emergency / temporary orders
- Court staff help you fill out the application, and a hearing officer or judge decides whether to grant a TRO; the other party is not present. At a police station, police contact a judge. NJ Courts, Domestic Violence self-help page
- How long an order lasts
- A Final Restraining Order is permanent; it does not expire unless the court changes or dismisses it. Only a judge can dismiss or modify it, at an in-person hearing. NJ Courts, Domestic Violence self-help page and FAQ
- Where to ask
- In the county where you live, where the other person lives, where the incident happened, or where you are staying. NJ Courts, Domestic Violence self-help page
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 violence restraining orders under the 1991 Prevention of Domestic Violence Act: a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and a Final Restraining Order (FRO). Covered acts include assault, terroristic threats, kidnapping, criminal restraint, sexual assault, harassment, stalking, cyber-harassment, criminal coercion, burglary, trespass, criminal mischief and others. People who do not qualify may be able to get other relief through the Family Division. |
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| Who can ask for an order | A victim 18 or older (or an emancipated minor) abused by a spouse, former spouse, or present or former household member. Regardless of age, a victim abused by someone they have a child with, are expecting a child with, or have dated. The defendant must generally be 18 or older or an emancipated minor. |
| Where to ask | In the county where you live, where the other person lives, where the incident happened, or where you are staying. During business hours, go to the Domestic Violence Unit of the Superior Court, Family Division, at the county courthouse, or call the Family Division by phone. On weekends, evenings, holidays, or when courts are closed, go to your local police department, which will contact a judge. The self-help page lists office hours as 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; the FAQ lists 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. |
Emergency orders and the hearing
| Emergency / temporary orders | Court staff help you fill out the application, and a hearing officer or judge decides whether to grant a TRO; the other party is not present. At a police station, police contact a judge. If granted, the TRO is sent to police to serve on the other party. |
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| Serving the order | The court sends copies of the TRO to law enforcement for personal service on the defendant. Copies of the FRO go to both parties and to the police department where the plaintiff lives. Source: NJ Courts, Domestic Violence FAQ |
| The court hearing | A Final Restraining Order hearing is scheduled within 10 days. Both parties should appear; the judge hears testimony from both sides. If the defendant does not appear but was served, the judge can still decide; if not served, the hearing is rescheduled and the TRO stays in effect. Bring witnesses (written statements are not accepted), photos, medical records and financial information. Source: NJ Courts, Domestic Violence FAQ |
| How long an order lasts | A Final Restraining Order is permanent; it does not expire unless the court changes or dismisses it. Only a judge can dismiss or modify it, at an in-person hearing. |
What the order does
| What an order can require | Bar further domestic violence; bar the defendant from your home, workplace and other places; prohibit any contact (oral, written, personal or electronic), harassment or stalking of you or others; give you exclusive possession of the home, temporary custody of children, child support, emergency funds, medical coverage and damages; and order the defendant to attend substance abuse counseling or evaluations. The defendant is fingerprinted and pays a $50-$500 penalty. Source: NJ Courts, Domestic Violence FAQ |
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| Firearms | Police take the defendant's weapons when a TRO is issued, and a Final Restraining Order prohibits the defendant from possessing weapons and includes a warrant for police to search for and seize weapons. |
| If the order is violated | If the defendant violates the contact restraints (Part 1), report it to local police; police will arrest the defendant and file a criminal charge. Violations of financial or parenting terms (Part 2) are enforced through the Family Division. Contact before a judge dismisses the order can lead to criminal prosecution. |
Children and privacy
| Minors and children | Victims under 18 who are not emancipated can file only against someone they have a child with, are expecting a child with, or have dated. Emancipated minors (for example, married, in the military, a parent, pregnant, or declared an adult by a court) can file on the same basis as adults. |
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Forms and help in New Jersey
- New Jersey courts: protective order help
- Official New Jersey protective order forms
- New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline (as listed by NJ Courts) — 1-800-572-7233
- Free legal aid in New Jersey
New Jersey protective order FAQ
What kinds of protective orders are available in New Jersey?
Domestic violence restraining orders under the 1991 Prevention of Domestic Violence Act: a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and a Final Restraining Order (FRO). Covered acts include assault, terroristic threats, kidnapping, criminal restraint, sexual assault, harassment, stalking, cyber-harassment, criminal coercion, burglary, trespass, criminal mischief and others. People who do not qualify may be able to get other relief through the Family Division.
Who can get a restraining order in New Jersey?
A victim 18 or older (or an emancipated minor) abused by a spouse, former spouse, or present or former household member. Regardless of age, a victim abused by someone they have a child with, are expecting a child with, or have dated. The defendant must generally be 18 or older or an emancipated minor.
Where do I file for a restraining order in New Jersey?
In the county where you live, where the other person lives, where the incident happened, or where you are staying. During business hours, go to the Domestic Violence Unit of the Superior Court, Family Division, at the county courthouse, or call the Family Division by phone. On weekends, evenings, holidays, or when courts are closed, go to your local police department, which will contact a judge.
How fast can I get an emergency protective order in New Jersey?
Court staff help you fill out the application, and a hearing officer or judge decides whether to grant a TRO; the other party is not present. At a police station, police contact a judge. If granted, the TRO is sent to police to serve on the other party.
What happens at the restraining order hearing in New Jersey?
A Final Restraining Order hearing is scheduled within 10 days. Both parties should appear; the judge hears testimony from both sides. If the defendant does not appear but was served, the judge can still decide; if not served, the hearing is rescheduled and the TRO stays in effect. Bring witnesses (written statements are not accepted), photos, medical records and financial information.
How long does a restraining order last in New Jersey?
A Final Restraining Order is permanent; it does not expire unless the court changes or dismisses it. Only a judge can dismiss or modify it, at an in-person hearing.
What can a protective order do in New Jersey?
Bar further domestic violence; bar the defendant from your home, workplace and other places; prohibit any contact (oral, written, personal or electronic), harassment or stalking of you or others; give you exclusive possession of the home, temporary custody of children, child support, emergency funds, medical coverage and damages; and order the defendant to attend substance abuse counseling or evaluations. The defendant is fingerprinted and pays a $50-$500 penalty.
Does a protective order affect firearms in New Jersey?
Police take the defendant's weapons when a TRO is issued, and a Final Restraining Order prohibits the defendant from possessing weapons and includes a warrant for police to search for and seize weapons.
How is a restraining order served in New Jersey?
The court sends copies of the TRO to law enforcement for personal service on the defendant. Copies of the FRO go to both parties and to the police department where the plaintiff lives.
What happens if someone violates a protective order in New Jersey?
If the defendant violates the contact restraints (Part 1), report it to local police; police will arrest the defendant and file a criminal charge. Violations of financial or parenting terms (Part 2) are enforced through the Family Division. Contact before a judge dismisses the order can lead to criminal prosecution.
Can a minor get a restraining order in New Jersey?
Victims under 18 who are not emancipated can file only against someone they have a child with, are expecting a child with, or have dated. Emancipated minors (for example, married, in the military, a parent, pregnant, or declared an adult by a court) can file on the same basis as adults.
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.