If you feel unsafe around your spouse or another individual, you may need to seek an emergency protective order (EPO) to protect yourself and your children. Our domestic violence attorneys at Gill Law Group, PC share what you should know about seeking an emergency protective order.
Seeking An EPO
If you believe that you or your children are in harm’s way from your spouse or another individual in your household, call the local police department or 911 and express your concerns. A police officer will respond to your call and arrive at your home or the location from which you called. When the police officer arrives, make sure to request an emergency protective order against the desired individual.
Once the emergency protective order is issued, you and the person named in the EPO will be given a copy of the document filed with the court for reference. There will be four copies of the document: one for yourself, one for the person the order is issued against, one for the agency who issued the order, and one for the court.
Filing For Continued Protection
Your EPO can last up to 7 days and is a temporary option until you can go to court to establish a new protective order. Before your EPO expires, you will need to go to court to file for a permanent protective order or a temporary protective order with a longer coverage period to remain safeguarded from the individual.
Once you receive your emergency protective order, you should find a domestic violence attorney who can guide you through the process of filing for a protective order. Your attorney can help you fill out all necessary forms and go with you to the courthouse to file the protective order. They can also advise you on the next steps for protection and discuss if you wish to divorce your spouse for safety reasons.
Orange County Domestic Violence Attorney
Our committed legal advocates at Gill Law Group, PC are prepared to advocate for your safety and the safety of your family to the court. If you need guidance on how to handle a domestic violence situation and file a protective order, we can help you throughout the process.
Do you need help with your next steps after filing for an emergency protective order? Schedule a consultation with our domestic violence advocates today by calling (949) 681-9952 or contacting us online.