Legal Points To Remember About Orders Of Protection

According to national statistics, one in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. One tool in stopping domestic violence is filing an Order of Protection. The following are some legal checkpoints to consider about Orders of Protection, courtesy of Legal Services of Eastern Missouri: An Order of Protection can order an abuser to leave your home, stop abusing you or even stop all communication with you and/or your children immediately. You must consider your own safety in deciding whether to file an Order of Protection, knowing that the abuser will be served with it. You can file for an Order of Protection any time of day, in any court in the state. If the courthouse is closed, call 314-531-2003 for information about the procedures for filing in your area. There is no cost to file an order of protection. Once you have filed an Order of Protection, you have a right to a hearing within 15 days from the date you file. In the off chance that your Order of Protection is dismissed as soon as you file it, you should re-file it right away (make sure it is completed correctly) and seek legal advice. Filing an Order of Protection does not automatically protect you, especially if your abuser does not respect courts’ or police officers’ orders. Connect with an advocate to develop a plan for your safety in addition to filing the Order of Protection.