How To Get A Restraining Order In Ct

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Disclaimer: The information on this web page is provided as a service and a convenience by the Connecticut Judicial Branch. It is not intended as legal advice to any person.

If you have questions about the use of these forms, your legal rights, or particular issues in your case, it is strongly recommended that you talk to an attorney.

Due to the changing nature of the law, the forms and information found on this web site will change from time to time. It is up to you to follow the current procedures and to file the correct, up-to-date forms.

Each court location has a Clerk's Office and many locations also have a Court Service Center that can give you help and information about court procedures. Please note, however, that Clerk's Office and Court Service Center personnel cannot provide you with legal advice.

Instructions

These instructions are to help you represent yourself in court. Legal words and court documents can be confusing. The more you know, the more comfortable you will be when you fill out the necessary court forms and come to court. These instructions will give you some useful information and instructions on filling out the necessary forms.

Every case is different and this instruction sheet is to be used as a guide only; if you think that you need more help, you may want to get an attorney. You can also go to a Court Service Center or contact the Connecticut Network for Legal Aid or find additional information at the Law Libraries. Court staff can answer procedural questions and help you understand the legal process, but cannot give you legal advice.

Civil Protection Orders
For detailed information about Civil Protection Orders and who may qualify, see Civil Protection Order Information Form (JD-CV-148) and watch the Civil Protection Orders (5:26) video.

If you have questions about applying for a Civil Protection Order, you may wish to speak to a staff person with the Office of Victim Services who has been trained to assist applicants for Civil Protection Orders. You may contact the Office of Victim Services directly at 1-800-822-8428.

For information on Family Restraining Orders, see Restraining Orders: How to Apply for Relief from Abuse (JDP-FM-142)) and watch the Family Restraining Orders(5:50) video. If you need help filing a family restraining order, please call the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-888-774-2900.

To apply for a Civil Protection Order, you have to fill out the following 2 forms:

Sign the forms in front of a clerk, notary public or lawyer, and submit them to the Clerk's Office.

You do not have to pay court fees to file the Application.

Note: The person who fills out the Application is called the "Applicant." The person that the Application is filed against is called the "Respondent."

The Application and Affidavit will be reviewed by a Judge.

Once the Judge makes a decision on your Application, the Clerk's Office will process the papers and return them to you. If the court grants a hearing and/or ex parte relief, the date you have to come back to court for your hearing will be on the order form. The paperwork must be given immediately to a State Marshal, so that he or she may deliver the paperwork to the Respondent. The Clerk's Office or the Court Service Center can assist you in finding a marshal, and will provide you with Restraining Order / Civil Protection Order Service Respondent Profile (SMC-2) for you to complete and give to the marshal. The marshal must deliver the forms to the Respondent at least 5 days before the hearing date.

If your Application is granted, be sure to keep a copy of the paperwork with you at all times and keep another copy in a safe place. The court will send a copy of the order to law enforcement.

You must be in court on the date of the hearing if you want the court to give you a Civil Protection Order or, if the court already gave you a temporary (ex parte) Civil Protection Order, to keep it in place. The Respondent may also be in court. If you think that you need more security when you are in court for your Civil Protection Order hearing, contact the Clerk's Office or the Court Service Center in the court where your hearing is scheduled.

On the day of your hearing, be sure to come to court early because it can take 10 to 20 minutes to get into the courthouse since everyone must go through a metal detector. Be sure to bring copies of your forms and any witnesses or evidence to support your claim. Go to your assigned courtroom and wait for instructions. If you are not sure where to go, check with the Clerk's Office or Court Service Center.

If you want the Civil Protection Order to continue after the period ordered by the court, you must file a Motion for Extension of Civil Protection Order (JD-CV-146) with the Clerk's Office. To keep the order from running out, you should file the motion at least 2 to 3 weeks before the Civil Protection Order ends. You should contact the police immediately if the Respondent violates any order issued.

Questions
If you have questions about applying for a Civil Protection Order, ask a Clerk's Office or Court Service Center staff person for help. You may be directed to a staff person with the Office of Victim Services who has been trained to assist applicants for Civil Protection Orders. You may contact the Office of Victim Services directly at 1-800-822-8428.

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