Civil Protective Order Lawyers in the District of Columbia

There are two types of civil protection orders in Washington, D.C.: Temporary Protection Orders and Civil Protection Orders.

If the Court finds that the safety or welfare of the victim or a household member is immediately endangered by the abuser, the Court may issue, ex parte (without the abuser present), a Temporary Protection Order. An initial Temporary Protection Order lasts up to 14 days. The Court may extend a Temporary Protection Order in additional 14 day increments, or longer increments with the consent of the parties, as necessary until a hearing is held.

If the Court finds that there is good cause to believe the respondent has committed or threatened to commit a criminal offense against the petitioner, the judicial officer may issue a Civil Protection Order. A Civil Protection Order lasts up to one year, however the period may be amended if either party files a motion and proves that there is good cause to either extend or rescind the Order.

• Civil Protective Order in Virginia
• Civil Protective Orders in Maryland
• Civil Protective Order in the District of Columbia