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1. What is an order of protection?

An order of protection is a court order intended to prevent acts of domestic violence. A person who believes that they themselves or a family member are or may become victims of domestic violence may submit a request (petition) to any court for the issuance of an order of protection. The person you want an order against must have committed or threatened to commit an act of domestic violence within the last year. A child may not be included in an order of protection if the person against whom you are seeking the order is his/her parent, unless that person has committed domestic violence against the child. You must seek custody orders in a separate action in the Superior Court.

The person filing the injunction is called the plaintiff. The person whom the injunction is filed against is called the defendant.

2. Where do I file a petition for an order of protection?

A petition may be filed in any of the Justice Courts, Monday through Friday during normal business hours.

In Person / By Phone

The petition should be filed in Superior Court if you are involved in a pending legal action related to divorce, legal separation, paternity, child support, custody, or visitation. To begin, contact any of the courts in the county:

• Justice Court
• Superior Court

After 5 pm on weekdays, or at any time on a weekend or holiday, an emergency order of protection can be requested by contacting any law enforcement agency. In case of an emergency, call 911.

Online

The protective order petition is accepted in all Arizona Courts. You will be asked to complete the petition online when you arrive at the court of your choice. To expedite the process, you can start your petition by visiting AZPoint. Through an interactive portal, you can quickly and accurately fill out the forms that are needed to request an Order of Protection at any Arizona Court. You will need a personal email address in order to complete the process. Once you have filled out the petition, you will receive an email with a confirmation code. Please bring that code with you when you go to the court.

It is imperative that you are aware if the Judge grants your petition, the order will be sent to law enforcement to be served immediately. You are able to request a 72-hour hold on service should you need to. If you are not prepared to have the order served please discuss your options with the court clerk when you arrive at the court or via phone interaction. To assist you with a Safety Plan, please also visit AZPoint.

3. How do I file?

You must complete the paperwork given to you by court staff. An order of protection can only be issued against one person. Each person you want to file against requires a separate petition. There is no fee for filing. After you complete the paperwork, you will be scheduled before a judge who will review your petition and either grant or deny the order.

4. What happens if the order is granted?

If the judge grants the order, a member of the clerk's staff will complete the paperwork for you. The defendant must be served with the order before it becomes effective. Court staff will explain how to arrange for service. There is no fee for serving the defendant. Once an order has been served, it will be in effect for 12 months. It is important to keep a copy of the order of protection with you at all times.

5. Can the Order of Protection be changed or modified?

The defendant may file a Request for Hearing to contest, change or modify the order. Court staff will then schedule a hearing and all parties will be notified. If your order of protection gives you the exclusive right to your home, the hearing will be scheduled within five court days of the defendant's request. If you do not have an exclusive right to your home, the hearing will be scheduled within ten court days.

If you have a pending family law-related action in Superior Court, the hearing will be held in Superior Court. The court location is determined by the location where the plaintiff filed the petition.

The court will mail a copy of the notice of hearing to you specifying the location, date, and time of the hearing.

6. What if the Order of Protection involves a minor?

Any petition for an order of protection sought against a person who is less than twelve years of age shall be filed in the Juvenile Court and in those cases in which the defendant and the plaintiff are both parties to an open dependency case.