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1. What is a Protective Order?

A Protective Order is a civil court order that can be issued by a judge if he/she finds probable cause to believe that the applicant has been harassed, abused or is threatened with abuse from another person. Violation of a Protective Order may be a criminal offense.

2. Am I eligible for a Protective Order?

If you are in fear because someone has threatened you with bodily injury, caused you bodily injury, or attempted to do so, you may be granted a Protective Order. There is no requirement that the other person live in the same household or be married to you.

3. What does a Protective Order do?

It is a court order directing that the other person refrain from harassing, abusing or threatening you. In the order, the court may also require the other person and/or the applicant to obtain counseling or other social services, including domestic violence education.

4. Where can I go to get a Protective Order?

You can obtain a Protective Order from Jackson County Courthouses in Kansas City or Independence. An Adult Abuse Office is located in the courthouse of each city. There will be people there who will be available to help with the paperwork.

For more information, contact one of the following:
Kansas City Adult Abuse: 816-881-3974, 415 East 12th Street, 3rd Floor
Independence Adult Abuse: 816-881-4600, 308 West Kansas

5. How long does it take for a judge to issue the Protective Order?

Depending on the time of day the order is applied for, they can be issued as soon as the same day or the following day.

6. What happens if a violation takes place?

If someone is violating the order, the petitioner should call the police as soon as possible. Depending on the violation, a police report is made and the case is then sent to the Jackson County Prosecutor for review.

7. How long does the Protective Order last?

The order can be good anywhere from 6 months to a year. Typically, a judge will issue the order for 1 year. 2 extensions can be given on the order without any violations happening as long as an extension is requested before the order expires.

8. What if I want to change the order?

The person has to go back to the Adult Abuse Office and request a Motion to Modify the Order. Either a petitioner or respondent can request the modification.

9. How do I file criminal charges?

Once a police report is filed and a detective has reviewed the case, it is then sent to the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office for review. It is up to the prosecutor reviewing the case to decide if charges are filed.

10. Do I need to apply for a Protective Order if criminal charges are filed?

It is strongly suggested that a victim apply for a Protective Order as an extra safety precaution.

11. What is a safety plan?

For more information on a safety plan, refer to the Domestic Violence page.