What can I do if my child is or I am in danger?
Call 911 immediately if you’re in danger now or think you may need help soon.
Protecting Your Family
How can I find a shelter if I need one?
Call 911, if you need help in an emergency. To find a shelter when it is not an emergency, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
How do I get a domestic-violence restraining order?
To get a restraining order, you must fill out and file court forms that tell the court about your situation, and go to court.
Can I get a court order to protect my child and me?
Yes. If someone has hurt you or your child (or has tried or threatened to do so) you can ask the court for a special order that will protect you. It’s called a restraining order.
How can a domestic-violence restraining order help me?
A domestic-violence restraining order can work to protect you from someone who is abusing, stalking, or hurting you.
Can I ask for an order even if I am under 18?
Yes. If you are 12 or older, you can ask for a domestic-violence restraining order. You do not have to ask an adult to do it for you, though it may be helpful.
Will the court give me a free lawyer?
Maybe. If you ask the court for a free lawyer, you may get one.
Do I have to return to court after I get my temporary restraining order?
The temporary restraining order (TRO) only lasts until your hearing (usually two or three weeks). If you want your order to last longer, you must go to your hearing and ask the court to make the order last longer.
The judge can make orders that last for up to five years.
Can I ask for other orders when I get a restraining order?
Yes. There are many different kinds of orders you can ask for.
Which parent usually gets custody?
It depends. (more…)
What if my child would not be safe with the other parent?
Above all, the court wants children to be safe. If you can show that your child may not be safe with the other parent, the court will probably not give custody to that parent.
What is supervised visitation?
Supervised visitation is when another adult stays with the child and parent when they visit to make sure the child is safe. If you are worried about the child’s safety, you can ask the court for supervised visitation.
What if the other parent hides my child from me?
Call the police.
It can be a crime to hide a child from the other parent, especially if you have a current custody or visitation order.
What if I do not have a custody or visitation order and the other parent will not return my child?
The law says both legal parents have equal rights to custody of their child. But if you do not have a court order, you cannot make the other parent give the child back, unless the child is not safe.
What if I need an order now?
If you are in danger now, call the police and ask for help. They will be able to help you get an Emergency Protective Order (EPO).