An Order of Protection is a document issued by the Court that forbids an individual from engaging in certain behavior.

It can prevent a person from having any contact with another individual including appearing at their home, office or school. It can further prevent them from contacting the individual via phone, text or email.

An Order of Protection can also require a person to refrain from assaulting, threatening, harassing or stalking another individual.

An individual can file a petition in Family Court requesting an Order of Protection if you and the person you are seeking the Order against are:

• Legally married; or
• Divorced; or
• Blood relations; or
• Have a child in common; or
• Have been in an intimate relationship (more than just a casual acquaintance).

A temporary Order of Protection usually lasts from one court date to the next. A final Order can last from one to several years, depending on the seriousness of the issues involved.