How to Get a Restraining Order in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin these are called Domestic abuse restraining order (temporary restraining order and injunction); also harassment, child abuse and individual-at-risk restraining orders. 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 Wisconsin
- Emergency / temporary orders
- A judge or court commissioner issues a temporary restraining order without notice to the respondent if there are reasonable grounds to believe the respondent has engaged in, or may engage in, domestic abuse. Wis. Stat. § 813.12(3)(a)-(c)
- How long an order lasts
- An injunction lasts as long as the petitioner requests, up to 4 years. When it expires, the court must extend it if the petitioner says an extension is needed for protection, up to 4 years from the original date. Wis. Stat. § 813.12(4)(c)-(d)
- Where to ask
- The petition is filed with the circuit court; the clerk of circuit court provides simplified forms, and courts must accept any legible petition. Wis. Stat. § 813.12(5)(b)-(c); Wisconsin Court System Restraining 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 | Wisconsin has four types of restraining orders: domestic abuse, harassment, child abuse, and individual at risk (for adults 60+ or adults whose condition impairs their ability to care for themselves). Each has a temporary restraining order (TRO) followed by a hearing on an injunction (the final order). |
|---|---|
| Who can ask for an order | A domestic abuse order covers abuse between adult family members (spouse, parent, child, or relative by blood or adoption) or adult household members (current or former), by an adult caregiver against an adult in their care, between former spouses, between adults who have or had a dating relationship, or between adults with a child in common. The person who was abused files (or the guardian of an adult adjudicated incompetent). |
| Where to ask | The petition is filed with the circuit court; the clerk of circuit court provides simplified forms, and courts must accept any legible petition. Wisconsin's online restraining order portal can generate the forms and e-file a domestic abuse or harassment petition. County/venue rules and after-hours access were not confirmed from the pages read. |
Emergency orders and the hearing
| Emergency / temporary orders | A judge or court commissioner issues a temporary restraining order without notice to the respondent if there are reasonable grounds to believe the respondent has engaged in, or may engage in, domestic abuse. The TRO can order no abuse, staying away from your home or other places you are staying, no contact (unless you consent in writing), and protection of household pets. It lasts until the injunction hearing. Source: Wis. Stat. § 813.12(3)(a)-(c) |
|---|---|
| Serving the order | The clerk forwards the TRO, injunction and notices to the sheriff, who helps serve the respondent; the petitioner may instead pay to use a private server. If the respondent is avoiding service, the court can allow service by publication. |
| The court hearing | The hearing on the injunction must be held within 14 days after the TRO is issued, unless both parties agree in writing to extend it, or it is extended once for 14 days because the respondent could not be served despite due diligence. Source: Wis. Stat. § 813.12(3)(c) |
| How long an order lasts | An injunction lasts as long as the petitioner requests, up to 4 years. When it expires, the court must extend it if the petitioner says an extension is needed for protection, up to 4 years from the original date. The court can order up to 10 years if there is a substantial risk of homicide or sexual assault, and in some cases a permanent injunction. Source: Wis. Stat. § 813.12(4)(c)-(d) |
What the order does
| What an order can require | An injunction can order the respondent to stop domestic abuse, avoid your residence and other places you temporarily occupy, have no contact with you (directly or through others) unless you consent in writing, not harm or take household pets and let you retrieve them, and other appropriate remedies you request. The court can also order a phone number transfer and order the sheriff to help put you back in your home. |
|---|---|
| Firearms | A domestic abuse injunction must tell the respondent about state and federal firearm restrictions and must require the respondent to surrender any firearms to the sheriff (or another approved person) under the surrender procedure in § 813.1285. At service, the respondent receives a firearm possession form and instructions. |
| If the order is violated | Knowingly violating a TRO or injunction is punishable by a fine up to $10,000 and/or up to 9 months in jail. Police must arrest when they have probable cause that an order was violated. Letting the respondent into your home is not a violation by you. Source: Wis. Stat. § 813.12(7)-(8) |
Children and privacy
| Minors and children | A domestic abuse order under § 813.12 is between adults. A separate child abuse restraining order is available when a child is abused. Who may file a child abuse restraining order (Wis. Stat. § 813.122) was not read. |
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Forms and help in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin courts: protective order help
- Official Wisconsin protective order forms
- End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin (statewide coalition) — (608) 255-0539
- Free legal aid in Wisconsin
Wisconsin protective order FAQ
What kinds of protective orders are available in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has four types of restraining orders: domestic abuse, harassment, child abuse, and individual at risk (for adults 60+ or adults whose condition impairs their ability to care for themselves). Each has a temporary restraining order (TRO) followed by a hearing on an injunction (the final order).
Who can get a restraining order in Wisconsin?
A domestic abuse order covers abuse between adult family members (spouse, parent, child, or relative by blood or adoption) or adult household members (current or former), by an adult caregiver against an adult in their care, between former spouses, between adults who have or had a dating relationship, or between adults with a child in common. The person who was abused files (or the guardian of an adult adjudicated incompetent).
Where do I file for a restraining order in Wisconsin?
The petition is filed with the circuit court; the clerk of circuit court provides simplified forms, and courts must accept any legible petition. Wisconsin's online restraining order portal can generate the forms and e-file a domestic abuse or harassment petition.
How fast can I get an emergency protective order in Wisconsin?
A judge or court commissioner issues a temporary restraining order without notice to the respondent if there are reasonable grounds to believe the respondent has engaged in, or may engage in, domestic abuse. The TRO can order no abuse, staying away from your home or other places you are staying, no contact (unless you consent in writing), and protection of household pets. It lasts until the injunction hearing.
What happens at the restraining order hearing in Wisconsin?
The hearing on the injunction must be held within 14 days after the TRO is issued, unless both parties agree in writing to extend it, or it is extended once for 14 days because the respondent could not be served despite due diligence.
How long does a restraining order last in Wisconsin?
An injunction lasts as long as the petitioner requests, up to 4 years. When it expires, the court must extend it if the petitioner says an extension is needed for protection, up to 4 years from the original date. The court can order up to 10 years if there is a substantial risk of homicide or sexual assault, and in some cases a permanent injunction.
What can a protective order do in Wisconsin?
An injunction can order the respondent to stop domestic abuse, avoid your residence and other places you temporarily occupy, have no contact with you (directly or through others) unless you consent in writing, not harm or take household pets and let you retrieve them, and other appropriate remedies you request. The court can also order a phone number transfer and order the sheriff to help put you back in your home.
Does a protective order affect firearms in Wisconsin?
A domestic abuse injunction must tell the respondent about state and federal firearm restrictions and must require the respondent to surrender any firearms to the sheriff (or another approved person) under the surrender procedure in § 813.1285. At service, the respondent receives a firearm possession form and instructions.
How is a restraining order served in Wisconsin?
The clerk forwards the TRO, injunction and notices to the sheriff, who helps serve the respondent; the petitioner may instead pay to use a private server. If the respondent is avoiding service, the court can allow service by publication.
What happens if someone violates a protective order in Wisconsin?
Knowingly violating a TRO or injunction is punishable by a fine up to $10,000 and/or up to 9 months in jail. Police must arrest when they have probable cause that an order was violated. Letting the respondent into your home is not a violation by you.
Can a minor get a restraining order in Wisconsin?
A domestic abuse order under § 813.12 is between adults. A separate child abuse restraining order is available when a child is abused.
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.