Question 1

What kinds of protective orders are there?

Accepted Answer

There are usually two stages:

Temporary (Emergency) Protective Order – This may be granted quickly and lasts for a short time until a court hearing.
Final Protective Order – This is issued after a court hearing and can last longer, depending on the court’s decision.

Your order will explain how long it lasts and what the other person must or must not do.

Question 2

When does the protective order start?

Accepted Answer

A protective order usually goes into effect after the other person is officially served with the order. Law enforcement or a process server typically handles service.

Until the order is served, some protections may not be enforceable.

Question 3

What should I do once I have the order?

Accepted Answer

You may want to:

Keep copies of the order with you, at home, work, school, or in your car
Share a copy with people who help keep you safe, such as:
Employers or coworkers
School or childcare staff
Building security or landlords
Review the order carefully so you know what it covers

Question 4

How long does a protective order last?

Accepted Answer

Temporary orders usually last until the court hearing.
Final protective orders last for the length of time set by the judge.
Some orders can be extended or renewed before they expire.

You may want to mark important dates on a calendar so you don’t miss deadlines.

Question 5

What if my situation changes?

Accepted Answer

You may be able to ask the court to:

Change or update the order
Extend the order before it expires
Address new safety concerns

An attorney or advocate can help explain your options.

Question 6

What if the other person violates the order?

Accepted Answer

If the order is violated, it may be a crime. You can:

Call 911 if you are in danger
Report the violation to law enforcement
Get help from an advocate to make a safety plan

Learn more about what to do when a protective order is violated.

Question 7

Do I need to do this alone?

Accepted Answer

No. Support is available.

Advocates can help with safety planning and court support
Legal services may help explain your rights and options
Hotlines offer free and confidential help

Search our directory to find help.

What happens after your get a protective order?

Common Questions

Important to Remember