Restraining orders

There are different types of restraining orders. Most restraining orders can order a person to:

not contact you
stay away from you

Some types of restraining orders can order someone to move out, protect your children or other family members, and more.

Types of restraining orders

If you need a restraining order, first find out what type of restraining order you need. Your court's self-help center can help if you're not sure. Once you know, select that type to find the type of protection it offers, how to ask for one, and how to renew or enforce it.

If someone asked for a restraining order against you, choose the type of restraining order they asked for below to find out more about your options. The forms you got have the name of the type of restraining order listed on them.

Which type you can ask for

See all the types of restraining orders.
Domestic violence

When you are or were in a relationship with someone or are closely related to them.
Civil harassment

When you are not in a relationship and not closely related. For example, neighbors or coworkers.
Elder or dependent adult

When the person to be protected is 65 or older, or a dependent adult.
Workplace violence

When an employer asks for protection for an employee.
Gun violence

When someone has threatened to harm themselves or others with a gun.
School violence

When a school administrator or safety officer asks for protection for a student.
Emergency and criminal protective orders

When police ask for it in an emergency and when judges make the order in a criminal case.
Retail crime

When a business asks for a court order that can stop someone from going to a store or chain of stores.

Restraining orders

Types of restraining orders

Which type you can ask for

Domestic violence

Civil harassment

Elder or dependent adult

Workplace violence

Gun violence

School violence

Emergency and criminal protective orders

Retail crime

Related topics

Criminal court

Victims' rights

Resources for victims

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