How Do I Obtain an Illinois Order of Protection?

 Posted on December 13, 2023 in Family Law

For victims of domestic violence or abuse, an order of protection is a step towards safety and provides them the security needed to exit a dangerous situation. An Illinois domestic violence lawyer can help you file for a temporary order of protection to ensure your immediate safety before guiding you through the process for a more long-term solution.

What Is an Order of Protection?

These orders are court documents that are intended to keep an individual safe from an abuser or another individual who presents a safety risk.

In Illinois, there are four different types of orders of protection. You must file for the correct order for your situation:

• An order of protection is used for a situation where the victim has a relationship with the abuser, such as a spouse or family member.
•  A civil no-contact order is used when a victim is sexually assaulted and has no relationship with the abuser.
• A stalking no-contact order is used against incidents of stalking and may be filed by a victim or on behalf of a minor or elderly victim.
• A firearm order of protection is used when an individual has a family member with access to firearms and is at risk of causing harm.

If you are not sure which order of protection applies to your situation, reach out to a domestic violence lawyer for assistance in obtaining safety and security.

Do I Qualify for an Order of Protection?

Illinois state law provides further information on what may qualify as domestic violence and what an order of protection may contain. In general, any individual who has been a victim of physical abuse, sexual assault, or harassment may file for an order of protection. In many cases, temporary orders of protection are granted to help victims obtain immediate safety, and hearings are scheduled as a follow-up to determine the best, more secure path forward for a victim and any others involved in a domestic dispute.

If you need immediate safety, contacting a domestic violence support center or a domestic violence lawyer is your most reliable first step.

Contact a Kane County, IL Domestic Violence Lawyer

Seeking help as a domestic violence victim is often challenging, and this process may be dangerous. An order of protection in Illinois helps you receive safety and security while the following steps are being made. Reach out to an experienced St. Charles, IL domestic violence attorney at Shaw Sanders, P.C. by calling 630-584-5550 for a free consultation.