ORDER OF PROTECTION

(Referred to as a Restraining Order or No Contact Order by some individuals)

In cases involving domestic abuse, an individual may request an Order of Protection.  The circuit clerk possesses fill in the blank forms and will help petitioners file and perfect service.  The fee for filing and service is not charged up front, but will be assessed to one of the parties at the hearing.  After filing, the clerk will inform you of your court date.  There is currently a grant in Arkansas providing for free representation of petitioners for Orders of Protection against domestic abuse.  This attorney will be at the hearing date and should call you case.  If no one calls your case before the court breaks for lunch, you need to let a court official know.  You may also hire a private attorney to represent you or request an Order of Protection along with a divorce.  Requests for Orders of Protection are very hard to defend.  Judges are usually predisposed to grant them.  They do not want to deny a request for an Order of Protection, and then later learn that person was beaten or murdered.  The Judge will err on the conservative side of granting the Order of Protection.  If children are involved; child custody, visitation, and child support must also be addressed on a temporary basis.  Alimony can be requested.  Also, possession of a shared residence must also be considered if the parties are living together.  This area of the law is also probably one that is the most abused by claimants.

Download Blank Petition For Order Of Protection (PDF format)

Download Blank Sample Order of Protection (PDF format)

(a)  All petitions under this chapter shall be verified. 
(b)  The petition shall be filed in the county where the petitioner resides, where the alleged incident of abuse occurred, or where the respondent may be served. 
(c)  A petition for relief under this chapter shall be filed in the chancery court. 
(d)  A petition may be filed by any family or household member or on behalf of another family or household member who is a minor or who has been adjudicated incompetent. 
(e)  A petition for relief shall allege the existence of domestic abuse and shall be accompanied by an affidavit made under oath stating the specific facts and circumstances of the domestic abuse and the specific relief sought. 
(f)  The petition may be filed regardless of whether there is any pending litigation between the parties. 
(g)  A person's right to file a petition, or obtain relief hereunder shall not be affected by his or her leaving the residence or household to avoid abuse.

Arkansas Code Annotated Section 9-15-202:  Filing Fees.

(a)  The court, clerks of the court, and law enforcement agencies shall not require any initial filing fees or service costs. 
(b)  Established filing fees may be assessed at the full hearing. 
(c) (1)  The abused in any domestic violence petition for relief for a protection order sought pursuant to this subchapter shall not bear the cost associated with its filing, or the costs associated with the issuance or service of a warrant and witness subpoena. 
     (2)  Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit a judge from assessing costs if the allegations of abuse are determined to be false.

Arkansas Code Annotated Section 9-15-203:  Petition - Form.

(a)  The clerks of the court shall provide simplified forms and clerical assistance to help petitioners with the writing and filing of a petition under this chapter if the petitioner is not represented by counsel. 
(b)  The petition may be in substantially the following form:

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF GREENE COUNTY, ARKANSAS

SECOND JUDICIAL DISTRICT

DOMESTIC RELATIONS DIVISION

                                                      
__________________ (print full name)                                                PETITIONER

__________________ (home address)

__________________ (city, state, zip)

__________________ (work address)

__________________ (telephone number)

__________________ (social security number)

Vs.                                                                     Case No. __________

__________________ (print full name)                                                RESPONDENT
 
__________________ (Respondent's home address)

__________________ (city, state, zip)

__________________ (Respondent's work address)
  
__________________ (Respondent's telephone number)

__________________ (Respondent's social security number)
      

PETITION FOR ORDER OF PROTECTION

  _ I am the petitioner and _ at least 18 years of age _ under 18 but emancipated.

  _ I am filing on behalf of myself.

  _ I am filing on behalf of a family or household member who is:

  _ a minor(s): (list) _______________________________________________________

  _ an adjudicated incompetent person: (list) ________________________________

  _ The respondent is _ at least 18 years of age _  under 18 but emancipated.

  
The respondent and petitioner (or victim if filing on behalf of a minor or incompetent person): (check all that apply)
 
_ are spouses        

_ are related by blood
_ are parent and child

_ currently reside together or cohabitate
_ are former spouses

_ formerly resided together or cohabitated
_ have or have had a child in common

  
If order of protection of children is requested:
  
Children:     Date of Birth:        Address:          Relationship to Parties:

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

The respondent has committed domestic abuse to the petitioner or victim by the following acts: (describe)

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

  
I am afraid of the respondent and: (describe)

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

  
   ________ (1) There is an immediate and present danger of domestic abuse to me; or

  
   ________ (2) The respondent is scheduled to be released from incarceration within thirty (30) days and upon the respondent's release there will be an immediate and present danger of domestic abuse to me.

  
The reasons are as follows: (describe)

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

  
  _ Petitioner requests that the court issue an ex parte order of protection with the following provisions: (check all that apply)

  
   _ excluding the respondent from a shared residence or from the residence of the petitioner or victim.   Address of residence:

_____________________________________________________________________________

  
   _ excluding the respondent from the place of business, employment, school or other location of the petitioner or victim.   Address of residence:

_____________________________________________________________________________

  
   _ excluding the respondent from the place of business, employment, school or other location of the petitioner or victim.  Address of:

   place of business: _______________________________________________________

   employment: ______________________________________________________________

   school: __________________________________________________________________

   other (identify): _________________________________________________________

  
   Prohibiting the respondent, directly or through an agent, from contacting the petitioner or victim, except under the following conditions:

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

  
   _ awarding temporary custody of minor children as follows:

Child's Name:         Person to Receive Custody:

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

  
   _ requiring the respondent to pay child support in the amount of $________ per child per month

  
   _ requiring the respondent to pay spousal support in the amount of $________ per month

  
   _ excluding the petitioner's address from notice to the respondent

  
_ It is further requested that upon hearing the court issue a full order of protection with the following provisions: (check all that apply)

  
   _ excluding the respondent from the shared residence or from the residence of the petitioner or victim.  Address of the residence:

_____________________________________________________________________________

  
   _ excluding the respondent from the place of business, employment, school or other location of the petitioner or victim.  Address of:

   place of business: _______________________________________________________

   employment: ______________________________________________________________

   school: __________________________________________________________________

   other (identify): _________________________________________________________

  
   _ awarding temporary custody of minor children as follows:

  
    Child's Name:         Person to Receive Custody:

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

  
   _ requiring the respondent to pay child support in the amount of $________ per child per month

  
   _ requiring the respondent to pay spousal support in the amount of $________ per month

  
   _ requiring the respondent to pay filing fees, service fees, court costs and petitioner's attorney fees.

  
The petitioner under oath states that the facts stated in the above petition are true according to the petitioner's best knowledge and belief.

  

__________        __________________________________________________________
Date                     Petitioner's signature

  
STATE OF ARKANSAS
  
COUNTY OF __________________

   Subscribed and sworn to before me this ________ day of ____________, 20____.

  
                                                                                        _______________________________          

                                                                                        Notary Public

  
My Commission Expires:
____________________________________

Arkansas Code Annotated Section 9-15-204:  Hearing - Service.

(a)  When a petition is filed pursuant to this chapter, the court shall order a hearing to be held thereon not later than thirty (30) days from the date on which the petition is filed or at the next court date, whichever is later. 
(b)  Service shall be made upon the respondent at least five (5) days prior to the date of the hearing. If service cannot be made on the respondent, the court may set a new date for the hearing. 
(c)  Nothing in this section shall preclude the court from setting an earlier hearing.

Arkansas Code Annotated Section 9-15-205:  Relief Generally - Duration.

(a)  At the hearing on the petition, the court may provide the following relief: 
     (1)  Exclude the abusing party from the dwelling which the parties share or from the residence of the petitioner or victim; 
     (2)  Exclude the abusing party from the place of business or employment, school, or other location of the petitioner or victim; 
     (3)  Award temporary custody or establish temporary visitation rights with regard to minor children of the parties; 
     (4)  Order temporary support for minor children or a spouse, with such support to be enforced in the manner prescribed by law for other child support and alimony awards; 
     (5)  Allow the prevailing party a reasonable attorney's fee as part of the costs; 
     (6)  Prohibit the abusing party directly or through an agent from contacting the petitioner or victim except under specific conditions named in the order; and 
     (7) (A)  Order such other relief as the court deems necessary or appropriate for the protection of a family or household member. 
          (B)  Such relief may include, but not be limited to, enjoining and restraining the abusing party from doing, attempting to do, or threatening to do any act injuring, mistreating, molesting, or harassing the petitioner. 
(b)  Any relief granted by the court for protection under the provisions of this chapter shall be for a fixed period of time not less than ninety (90) days nor more than two (2) years in duration, and may be renewed at a subsequent hearing upon proof and a finding by the court that the threat of domestic abuse still exists.

Arkansas Code Annotated Section 9-15-206:  Temporary Order.

(a)  When any petition under this chapter alleges an immediate and present danger of domestic abuse or that the respondent is scheduled to be released from incarceration within thirty (30) days, and upon the respondent's release there will be an immediate and present danger of domestic abuse, and the court finds sufficient evidence to support the petition, the court shall grant a temporary order of protection pending a full hearing. 
(b)  An ex parte temporary order of protection may include any or all of the orders provided for in §§ 9-15-201 and 9-15-203. 
(c)  A temporary order of protection shall be effective for a fixed period not to exceed thirty (30) days. 
(d)  When a temporary order is issued as authorized in this section, a hearing shall be set for no later than thirty 30 days from the issuance of the temporary order. 
(e)  Upon the issuance of an ex parte temporary order, a copy of the order together with a copy of the petition, excluding, pursuant to court order, the address of the petitioner and notice of the date and place set for the full hearing shall be served in accordance with applicable rules of service under the Arkansas Rules of Civil Procedure. 
(f)  Incarceration or imprisonment of the abusing party shall not bar the court from issuing an order of protection. 
(g) (1) (A)  A petitioner may omit his or her home or business address from all documents filed with the court. 
           (B)  If a petitioner omits his or her address, the petitioner must provide the court with a mailing address. 
     (2)  If disclosure of a petitioner's address is necessary to determine jurisdiction or consider venue, the court may order the disclosure be made: 
          (A)  After receiving the petitioner's consent; 
          (B)  Orally and in chambers, out of the presence of the respondent, and a sealed record to be made; or 
          (C)  After a hearing, if the court takes into consideration the safety of the petitioner and finds such disclosure in the interest of justice.

Arkansas Code Annotated Section 9-15-207:  Protection Order - Enforcement - Penalties - Criminal Jjurisdiction.

(a)  Any order of protection granted pursuant to this chapter shall be enforceable by any law enforcement agency with proper jurisdiction. 
(b)  Any order of protection shall include a notice to the respondent or party restrained that a violation of the order is a Class A misdemeanor carrying a maximum penalty of one (1) year imprisonment in the county jail or a fine of up to one thousand dollars ($1,000), or both. 
(c)  Jurisdiction for the criminal offense of violating the terms of an order of protection shall be with the circuit court or other courts having jurisdiction over criminal matters. 
(d) (1)  In the final order of protection, the petitioner's home or business address may specifically be excluded from notice to the respondent. 
     (2)  A court shall also order that the petitioner's copy of the order of protection be excluded from any address where the respondent happens to reside. 
(e)  When a law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that a respondent has violated an order of protection and has been presented verification of the existence of the order, the officer may, without a warrant, arrest the apparent violator whether the violation was in or outside the presence of the officer if the order was obtained according to this chapter and with the Rules of Criminal Procedure. 
(f)  An order of protection issued by a court of competent jurisdiction in any county of this state is enforceable in every county of this state by any court or law enforcement officer.

Arkansas Code Annotated Section 9-15-210:  Contempt Proceedings.

When a petitioner or any law enforcement officer files an affidavit with a court which has issued an order of protection under the provisions of this chapter alleging that the respondent or person restrained has violated the order, the court may issue an order to the respondent or person restrained requiring that person to appear and show cause why he should not be found in contempt.

(a)  In addition to other factors that a court shall consider in a proceeding in which the temporary custody of a child or temporary visitation by a parent is at issue and in which the court has made a finding of domestic or family violence, the court shall consider: 
      (1)  As primary the safety and well-being of the child and of the parent who is the plaintiff of domestic or family violence; and 
      (2)  The defendant's history of causing physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or causing reasonable fear of physical harm, bodily injury, or assault to another person. 
(b)  If a parent is absent or relocates because of an act of domestic or family violence by the other parent, the absence or relocation is not a factor that weighs against the parent in determining custody or visitation. 
(c)  There shall be a rebuttable presumption that it is not in the best interest of the child to be placed in the custody of an abusive parent in cases where there is a finding, by a preponderance of the evidence, that a pattern of abuse has occurred.

Arkansas Code Annotated Section 9-15-216:  Mutual Orders of Protection - Separate Orders of Protection.

(a)  Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a court shall not grant a mutual order of protection to opposing parties. 
(b)  Separate orders of protection restraining each opposing party may only be granted in cases where each party: 
     (1)  Has properly filed and served a petition for a protection order; 
     (2)  Has committed domestic abuse as defined in § 9-15-103; 
     (3)  Poses a risk of violence to the other; and 
     (4)  Has otherwise satisfied all prerequisites for the type of order and remedies sought. 

Last Updated:  July 28, 2003