How to Get a Restraining Order in Utah
In Utah these are called Protective order (cohabitant abuse protective order; also dating violence, sexual violence and child protective orders, and civil stalking injunctions). 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 Utah
- Cost
- There is no filing fee or cost for the court forms to ask for a protective order. Utah Courts Protective Orders page
- Emergency / temporary orders
- A judge usually reviews the request the same day and can issue an ex parte (temporary) protective order without notice to the respondent. It takes effect when served and usually lasts until the hearing. Utah Code 78B-7-603(1)-(2); Utah Courts Protective Orders page
- How long an order lasts
- A cohabitant abuse protective order automatically expires 3 years after it is entered, unless you file a motion before it expires showing a current reasonable fear of future harm or a later violation or qualifying offense. Utah Code 78B-7-606, 78B-7-603(10)
- Where to ask
- File in the district court in the county where you or the respondent live, or where the events happened. You can file online through MyCourtCase or the MyPaperwork tool, in person, by email, or by mail. Utah Code 78B-7-104, 78B-7-602(1); Utah Courts Protective Orders 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 | Utah offers cohabitant abuse protective orders, dating violence protective orders, sexual violence protective orders, child protective orders (for minors facing abuse), and civil stalking injunctions. Criminal courts can also issue protective and no-contact orders. |
|---|---|
| Who can ask for an order | A cohabitant order is for someone 16 or older who is or was married to, lives or lived with, is or was in a consensual sexual relationship with, is related to (parent, child, sibling, grandparent, etc.), or has or is expecting a child with the respondent. People under 18 cannot use it against a parent or minor sibling. Dating violence orders require a dating relationship and the petitioner to be 18 or older or emancipated. Sexual violence orders have no relationship requirement. |
| Where to ask | File in the district court in the county where you or the respondent live, or where the events happened. You can file online through MyCourtCase or the MyPaperwork tool, in person, by email, or by mail. Leaving your home to avoid abuse does not affect your right to file. After-hours filing options were not stated on the pages read. |
| Cost | There is no filing fee or cost for the court forms to ask for a protective order. |
Emergency orders and the hearing
| Emergency / temporary orders | A judge usually reviews the request the same day and can issue an ex parte (temporary) protective order without notice to the respondent. It takes effect when served and usually lasts until the hearing. If the request is denied, you can ask for a hearing within 5 days. |
|---|---|
| Serving the order | The court sends the order to the county sheriff, who must provide expedited service; other police agencies may also serve it. If the respondent is outside Utah, the petitioner must contact a sheriff or constable in that state to arrange service. Service cost was not stated on the pages read. |
| The court hearing | If a temporary order is granted, a hearing is set within 21 days (it can be extended only for limited reasons, such as the respondent not yet being served). If the respondent does not come, the court may still grant the order; if the petitioner does not come, the temporary order is dismissed. |
| How long an order lasts | A cohabitant abuse protective order automatically expires 3 years after it is entered, unless you file a motion before it expires showing a current reasonable fear of future harm or a later violation or qualifying offense. The civil provisions (such as custody, support, and household items) expire after 150 days unless the court finds good cause to extend them. The criminal provisions cannot be vacated within 2 years unless the petitioner personally consents in court or by verified affidavit. |
What the order does
| What an order can require | The order can bar abuse, threats and harassment; bar contact; require the respondent to stay a set distance away and out of your home, school, job and place of worship; prohibit firearms or other weapons; give you use of a car and personal items with police help; require the respondent to keep a phone contract or transfer a phone number; grant temporary custody of children and set or deny parent-time; protect household animals; and order support and other relief needed for safety. Source: Utah Code 78B-7-603(2)-(3) |
|---|---|
| Firearms | If the court finds the respondent's use or possession of a weapon may pose a serious threat of harm to the petitioner, it can prohibit the respondent from buying, using or possessing a firearm or other specified weapon. Qualifying orders are reported to the Bureau of Criminal Identification within 48 hours (business days). Federal law may also restrict firearm possession under certain protection orders. |
| If the order is violated | Knowingly violating a protective order after being served (or being present when it was issued) is a class A misdemeanor, and is a domestic violence offense subject to increased penalties. Each order has a criminal section (violations are crimes) and a civil section. Source: Utah Code 76-5-108; 78B-7-603(6) |
Children and privacy
| Minors and children | Cohabitant orders require the petitioner to be at least 16, and someone under 18 cannot file one against a parent or minor sibling. Child protective orders are available when a minor faces physical or sexual abuse, a sexual offense or human trafficking. |
|---|---|
| Keeping your address private | Utah's Safe at Home program gives survivors of abuse, child abuse, domestic violence, stalking, human trafficking and sexual assault a legal substitute address and mail forwarding; state and local agencies must accept it. You apply with a Certified Program Assistant. Phone 801-538-1600; toll free 1 (833) 747-SAFE (7233). |
Forms and help in Utah
- Utah courts: protective order help
- Official Utah protective order forms
- Utah Domestic Violence Coalition (statewide hotline, as listed on the Utah Courts page) — 800-897-5465
- Free legal aid in Utah
Utah protective order FAQ
What kinds of protective orders are available in Utah?
Utah offers cohabitant abuse protective orders, dating violence protective orders, sexual violence protective orders, child protective orders (for minors facing abuse), and civil stalking injunctions. Criminal courts can also issue protective and no-contact orders.
Who can get a restraining order in Utah?
A cohabitant order is for someone 16 or older who is or was married to, lives or lived with, is or was in a consensual sexual relationship with, is related to (parent, child, sibling, grandparent, etc.), or has or is expecting a child with the respondent. People under 18 cannot use it against a parent or minor sibling. Dating violence orders require a dating relationship and the petitioner to be 18 or older or emancipated. Sexual violence orders have no relationship requirement.
Where do I file for a restraining order in Utah?
File in the district court in the county where you or the respondent live, or where the events happened. You can file online through MyCourtCase or the MyPaperwork tool, in person, by email, or by mail. Leaving your home to avoid abuse does not affect your right to file.
Does it cost money to get a restraining order in Utah?
There is no filing fee or cost for the court forms to ask for a protective order.
How fast can I get an emergency protective order in Utah?
A judge usually reviews the request the same day and can issue an ex parte (temporary) protective order without notice to the respondent. It takes effect when served and usually lasts until the hearing. If the request is denied, you can ask for a hearing within 5 days.
What happens at the restraining order hearing in Utah?
If a temporary order is granted, a hearing is set within 21 days (it can be extended only for limited reasons, such as the respondent not yet being served). If the respondent does not come, the court may still grant the order; if the petitioner does not come, the temporary order is dismissed.
How long does a restraining order last in Utah?
A cohabitant abuse protective order automatically expires 3 years after it is entered, unless you file a motion before it expires showing a current reasonable fear of future harm or a later violation or qualifying offense. The civil provisions (such as custody, support, and household items) expire after 150 days unless the court finds good cause to extend them. The criminal provisions cannot be vacated within 2 years unless the petitioner personally consents in court or by verified affidavit.
What can a protective order do in Utah?
The order can bar abuse, threats and harassment; bar contact; require the respondent to stay a set distance away and out of your home, school, job and place of worship; prohibit firearms or other weapons; give you use of a car and personal items with police help; require the respondent to keep a phone contract or transfer a phone number; grant temporary custody of children and set or deny parent-time; protect household animals; and order support and other relief needed for safety.
Does a protective order affect firearms in Utah?
If the court finds the respondent's use or possession of a weapon may pose a serious threat of harm to the petitioner, it can prohibit the respondent from buying, using or possessing a firearm or other specified weapon. Qualifying orders are reported to the Bureau of Criminal Identification within 48 hours (business days).
How is a restraining order served in Utah?
The court sends the order to the county sheriff, who must provide expedited service; other police agencies may also serve it. If the respondent is outside Utah, the petitioner must contact a sheriff or constable in that state to arrange service.
What happens if someone violates a protective order in Utah?
Knowingly violating a protective order after being served (or being present when it was issued) is a class A misdemeanor, and is a domestic violence offense subject to increased penalties. Each order has a criminal section (violations are crimes) and a civil section.
Can a minor get a restraining order in Utah?
Cohabitant orders require the petitioner to be at least 16, and someone under 18 cannot file one against a parent or minor sibling. Child protective orders are available when a minor faces physical or sexual abuse, a sexual offense or human trafficking.
Can I keep my address confidential in Utah?
Utah's Safe at Home program gives survivors of abuse, child abuse, domestic violence, stalking, human trafficking and sexual assault a legal substitute address and mail forwarding; state and local agencies must accept it. You apply with a Certified Program Assistant. Phone 801-538-1600; toll free 1 (833) 747-SAFE (7233).
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.