Sometimes relationships break down, and one party physically abuses, stalks, or unduly intimidates the other. When this happens, a protective order can help ensure the victim is kept safe from further abuse or intimidation.
If you are seeking a protective order in Salt Lake City, or responding to one filed against you, you need legal guidance from an experienced Salt Lake City family lawyer. At Brown Family Law, our team focuses solely on family law. We can help you understand your options, meet the court’s requirements, and protect what matters most to you.
We have 150 years of combined experience and are prepared to take on your case. Schedule a consultation with us today to get started with our protective order lawyer in Salt Lake City.
What Can a Protective Order Do?
A protective order does more than simply tell someone to stay away from you. Once granted, it gives you the backing of the court and real consequences if the other person violates its terms.
Depending on your circumstances, a Utah court can issue an order that:
- Prohibits the Respondent (the person the order is sought against) from harming the Petitioner (the person seeking the order), the Petitioner’s children, or those who live with the Petitioner
- Requires the Respondent to stay away from the Petitioner’s home, job, vehicle, and school
- Bars the Respondent from contacting the Petitioner
- Prohibits the Respondent from possessing guns or other deadly weapons
- Grants temporary possession of the home and car
- Establishes temporary custody and parent-time, and can require the Respondent to pay child support
- Requires the Respondent to pay temporary spousal support if the Petitioner and Respondent are married
Whether you are seeking protection or defending against an order that should never have been filed, having the right attorney on your side can make a real difference in the outcome. Our protective order lawyers in Salt Lake City understand how much is at stake, and we are ready to help you present your case clearly.
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How Do You Get a Protective Order?
To obtain a protective order, you must petition a court and then appear before a judge to explain why you need one. If the Respondent disagrees, they are entitled to argue why the order should not be granted.
It is often difficult to know what to say to a judge under such stressful conditions. That’s why you should have a Salt Lake City protective order attorney to help you pursue your protective order and answer any questions you have about the process.
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How Long Does a Protective Order Last?
Keep in mind that protective orders essentially last forever, although they may be reviewed and dismissed after two years upon the Respondent’s request. When reviewing such a request, the court looks at whether circumstances have changed, whether the Respondent has complied with the order, and whether the Petitioner still has reason to fear for their safety.
Because these protections do not simply expire on their own, it is important to understand how the order affects both parties over the long term and to have a Salt Lake City protective order lawyer who can guide you through any future modifications or challenges.
How a Protective Order Lawyer in Salt Lake City Can Help
Seeking a protective order can feel overwhelming, especially when your safety is already at risk. Having an experienced protective order attorney in Salt Lake City can take some of that weight off your shoulders and help you move forward. We can assist you by taking the following steps:
- Outline your rights and exactly what protections the court can put in place for you and your children.
- Explain child protective orders.
- Gather and organize the evidence that supports your petition, including texts, photos, records, and witness statements.
- Prepare a clear, compelling account of why you need protection so you are ready to speak to the judge.
- Meet every filing deadline and procedural requirement so nothing delays your protection.
- Respond effectively if the other party contests the order.
What is the Difference Between a Protective Order and a Restraining Order?
People often use these terms interchangeably, but a protective order and a restraining order are not the same thing. A protective order is designed to prevent abuse, threats, or stalking, usually between people who share a domestic relationship, such as spouses. It is handled through the courts as its own action, and violating one can carry criminal penalties.
On the other hand, a restraining order is typically part of a larger civil case, such as a divorce. It is used to preserve the status quo while that case is pending. It might prevent a spouse from selling property, draining accounts, or taking the children out of state.
Because the two orders serve different purposes and follow different rules, it is important to know which one fits your situation. Our experienced Salt Lake City protective order lawyers can help you pursue the right protection for your circumstances.
Contact Brown Family Law Today
Your safety and your family’s well-being are too important to leave to chance. If you are seeking a protective order, having an experienced attorney handle the legal side of things will ensure you have the support you deserve and that no mistakes are made.
At Brown Family Law, we will listen to your situation, explain your options clearly, and work to protect what matters most to you. Schedule a consultation with our protective order lawyer in Salt Lake City today, and let us help you move forward.
