How To Apply for a Protection Order in Colorado
Applying for a protection order in Colorado, also known as a restraining order, starts with filing specific forms at your local district court. Once the request is submitted, the court will usually schedule a hearing to decide whether to grant temporary protection. In Broomfield family law cases, protection orders are often used to create immediate boundaries and prevent further contact while a longer-term solution is considered.
Where and How to Start the Protection Order Process in Colorado
Most people begin the protection order process by filing paperwork in the county where they live or where the incident took place. Colorado courts allow for temporary protection orders that can be issued quickly, along with the option to request a permanent order later if needed. The type of order granted usually depends on the situation and the level of risk described in the initial filing.
Completing the Verified Complaint and Affidavit
The first step involves filling out a Verified Complaint and Affidavit for a Temporary Civil Protection Order. This form, JDF 402, asks for specific details, including what happened, when it occurred, and whether there have been past threats or incidents. The court needs enough information to understand why protection is being requested and what kind of contact needs to be restricted.
Attending the Temporary Protection Order Hearing
After the paperwork is submitted, the court typically schedules a hearing within just a few days. At that hearing, a judge will review the complaint, ask questions if needed, and decide whether to grant a temporary order. You will have the chance to explain what happened, and the judge will focus on whether there is an immediate need for legal protection.
Circumstances That May Lead Someone to Request a Protection Order
Most people think of protection orders in domestic situations, but they can also apply in workplace disputes or conflicts within a shared community. Colorado law allows for different types of civil protection orders depending on the relationship between the people involved and the nature of the threat or behavior. Some of the most common reasons people choose to request one include:
- Threats of violence
- Stalking
- Harassment
- Emotional abuse
- Recent divorce filings
- Custody-related conflicts
- Violations of existing court orders
Outlined in Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-14-104.5, this statute explains when a temporary civil protection order can be granted, especially in urgent situations involving safety. Divorce and child custody disputes often play a central role in these filings, particularly when tensions are high or your boundaries have already been crossed.
What Happens After You Submit a Request for a Protection Order?
After a temporary order is approved, the court will usually set a second hearing to figure out whether it should become permanent. Both you and the other party will have a chance to tell your side and share any evidence you think matters. The next steps can feel a little uncertain, but knowing what to expect ahead of time can make a big difference.
Preparing for the Permanent Protection Order Hearing
It helps to come to this hearing with anything that supports your story. That might include text messages, voicemails, photos, or a copy of a police report. If someone else witnessed what happened or knows the history, they can be a strong voice in the room. The judge is there to listen, and having the right information can go a long way.
Consequences If the Order Is Granted or Denied
When a judge grants a permanent protection order, it can include rules about future contact, staying away from specific places, and even firearm restrictions. These decisions are made based on what feels necessary to keep everyone safe. The Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-14-106 explains what the court can include in a final order and how long those protections may stay in place.
If you need help with a protection order in Colorado, contact our Broomfield protection order attorneys today for legal guidance.