How to File for a New Jersey District Court Protective Order

If you are facing immediate and ongoing threats of domestic violence or sexual assault, seeking a New Jersey District Court Protective Order (PO) is crucial for your safety and well-being. This legal tool can offer immediate relief and long-term protection from your abuser.

Understanding New Jersey District Court Protective Orders

A New Jersey District Court Protective Order is a court order that prohibits an abuser from engaging in certain actions that threaten or harm the victim. These actions can include:

• Physical violence or threats of physical violence
• Sexual violence or threats of sexual violence
• Criminal acts
• Verbal abuse or coercive control

Eligibility for a New Jersey District Court Protective Order

You may be eligible for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) or a Final Restraining Order (FRO) if you are a victim of:

• Domestic violence (current or former intimate partner)
• Sexual assault
• Sexual harassment
• Dating violence
• Elder abuse
• Child abuse or neglect

Filing for a New Jersey District Court Protective Order

Step 1: Contact the Court

• Call the Domestic Violence Unit or the Special Victims Unit of the New Jersey District Court in your county.
• Inform the court staff that you are requesting a protective order and provide your contact information.

Step 2: Complete the Application

• The court will provide you with the appropriate application for a TRO or FRO.
• Fill out the application accurately and completely, providing detailed information about the alleged abuser, the nature of the abuse, and the specific relief you seek.

Step 3: Submit the Application

• Submit the completed application to the judge.
• The judge will review your application and determine whether to issue a temporary restraining order.

Step 4: The Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)

• If the judge issues a TRO, it will remain in effect until the final hearing.
• The abuser must be served with the TRO and informed of the upcoming hearing.

Step 5: The Final Restraining Order (FRO)

• The final hearing will be scheduled within 10 days of the TRO being issued.
• Prepare for the hearing by gathering evidence of the abuse, such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements.

Conclusion

If you are experiencing violence or threats of violence, seeking a New Jersey District Court Civil Protective Order In New Jersey is a vital step to ensure your safety and well-being. Remember that you are not alone and there is help available