Filing for a protection order
Domestic Violence Temporary Protection Orders (TPO) last up to 45 days and can be filed at any justice court and are granted without holding a hearing. If the court grants a temporary protection order, the sheriff will serve to the adverse party. The protection order is not in effect until the adverse party is served with the order. The applicant can file an application for an extended order while the TPO is still in effect. Extended protection orders (EPO) can be granted for up to 2 years. In order for an EPO to be granted, a court hearing must be held. Applicants should file for the extended protection order while the TPO is still in effect. The TPO will then stay active until the EPO hearing.
Click here for a list of statewide contacts and locations to file protection orders.