What Can a Restraining Order Do?

If an individual is being threatened, harassed, stalked, or otherwise feels that they are in danger, they should research information on how to get a restraining order. Although obtaining restraining orders is not always necessary, becoming familiar with how to get a restraining order may help an individual to quickly act if the necessity arises.

Restraining orders are court orders that are used in order to help keep an individual safe and secure. Restraining orders are used in order to provide an individual with protection from a person who may be dangerous or harmful. If an individual feels that they their psychical or psychological well being is being threatened, then they may choose to petition a court for a restraining order. Restraining orders are often used in cases of domestic violence.

Individuals who are subjected to intimate partner abuse often sustain severe physical injury and they may be threatened with death. Individuals who find themselves in this situation may choose to research how to get a restraining order. Information on this procedure can often be obtained by contacting a domestic violence organization, battered women's shelter, or a local law enforcement agency.

Restraining orders will legally require an abuser to stay away from their victim. Restraining orders will be extremely definitive about the behavior that an offender may or may not take part in. If an abuser is living with their victim, then restraining orders can require the perpetrator to leave the home and relocate to a new environment. This is true even if the apartment or house is in the name of the offender. A perpetrator may be required to stop communicating with the victim.

This includes contact by e-mail, telephone, text message, or in person. When individuals petition for restraining orders, they can ask the court to prohibit the offender from going near certain locations. In most cases, a perpetrator will be required to remain a designated distance away from the victim's home and place of employment. A judge may also require that the local law enforcement agency to provide the victim with police escorts. If an individual feels that their family members are in danger, they may choose to file for a restraining order for their relatives.

After an individual learns how to get a restraining order and petitions a court for legal protection, the petitioner may be entitled to compensation for any damage that the perpetrator has caused. This may include medical bills, the cost of relocation, and payment for any work missed due to physical injury. If lawyers are involved, the offender may be required to pay the victim's legal fees, and may also need to take care of any immediate and pending household bills.

In cases where children are involved, the petitioner will almost always receive custody of the children. The judge may also require the offender to pay support for both the victim and the children. A judge has the ability to demand that an offender seek counseling or treatment for substance abuse problems. These court orders help to provide a victimized individual with the protection that they need in order to get back on their feet. If an individual is suffering from domestic violence, they should find information on how to get a restraining order and consider petitioning the court for legal protection.