Divorce and Child Custody Attorney in Lee's Summit, Missouri
order of protection
The purpose of an Order of Protection is to prevent someone from abusing, harassing, or stalking you. To file for an Adult Order of Protection, you must meet the following requirements:
- Age - You must be at least 17 years of age or emancipated;
- Relationship - You must now be or formerly have been in one or more of the following relationships with the Respondent: married; adults related by blood or marriage; adults living together; adults with a child in common; adults in a romantic or intimate relationship; or the victim of stalking.
- Abuse - You must have been abused or stalked.
Once you have requested an Order of Protection, the Judge will review the documents. If it is determined that there is an immediate and present danger of abuse, an Ex Parte Order of Protection will be put in place until the hearing. A hearing is then held to determine if a full order of protection should be issued.
A Petition for Order of Protection may also be filed by an adult on a minor child's behalf when the child has been subject to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking by a present or former household member. The Petition may be filed by (1) a parent or guardian of the victim, (2) a guardian ad litem or court-appointed special advocate appointed for the victim, or (3) the juvenile officer.
