Free guides for parents

Protective Orders

How protective-order hearings work for both sides, what evidence matters, safety planning and how orders affect custody.

Protective OrdersWhat to Do If Your Ex Violates a Protective Order, Step by StepWhat to do if your ex violates a protective order: get safe, report it, and document each protective order violation with a log, messages and records.7 min read

Protective OrdersGetting Temporary Emergency Custody After Domestic Violence: How It WorksGetting temporary emergency custody after domestic violence: how protective orders and emergency motions work, what courts look for, and what happens next.8 min read

Protective OrdersEvidence Needed for a Protective Order: A Safe, Practical ChecklistThe evidence needed for a protective order, as a checklist: testimony, photos, messages, records and witnesses, and how to prepare each one safely.8 min read

Protective OrdersWhat Happens at a Protective Order Hearing (and How to Prepare)What happens at a protective order hearing: the temporary order, service, the full hearing step by step, possible outcomes, and how either side can prepare.8 min read

Protective OrdersHow to Get a Restraining Order Against an Ex, Step by StepHow to get a restraining order against an ex: who qualifies, how to file, what the order can include, what happens if you share kids, and how to stay safe.7 min read

Protective OrdersDoes a Protective Order Affect Child Custody? What Either Parent Should KnowDoes a protective order affect child custody? How temporary custody terms, abuse findings, supervised visits and exchanges usually work, for either parent.7 min read

Protective OrdersServed With a Protective Order? How to Respond the Right WayHow to respond to protective order papers: follow the temporary order exactly, prepare for the hearing, protect your rights, and avoid mistakes that backfire.8 min read

Protective OrdersCan You Get a Restraining Order for Text Messages? What Courts Look ForCan I get a restraining order for text messages? When harassing or threatening texts can support a protective order, how to save them, and how to stay safe.7 min read