Temporary Protective Order (TPO) 

If, after review of the petition, the presiding Judge finds that family violence has occurred in the past and may occur in the future, the Court may immediately issue a temporary ex parte protective order to protect the victim from further acts of violence by requiring the Defendant to stay away from the victim and refrain from committing other acts of family violence against the victim. Once this order is entered by the presiding judge, a copy will be served on the Defendant. The temporary ex parte protective order will either be removed or extended after a formal hearing on the matter has taken place.

Within the next 30 days, the Court will schedule a hearing that both parties must attend. At this hearing, the victim must prove his or her allegations by a preponderance of evidence, and the Defendant will have a chance to present his or her defense. To prove his or her allegations, the victim should bring all evidence, such as pictures of bruises, scratches or other injuries, doctor's reports, audio recordings, and damaged property to the hearing. If the family violence is proven by a preponderance of evidence, the Order may be extended for up to three years; or the Order may be made permanent, if the Court deems it necessary for the protection of the victim.