Recently updated on July 24th, 2025 at 09:44 pm
Prepare your Court Forms Online for Protection From Abuse Orders in Alabama
This website helps victims learn about the types and then create official court forms required for getting a restraining order in Alabama.
HOW IT WORKS
1. Take Screening
Start with an online screening tool to help you decide which restraining order fits your situation the best.
2. Prepare Documents
Instead of looking at the legal forms themselves, you will be guided through a series of detailed questions. These will gather the necessary information topic by topic. The questions are in plain language, and easy to understand for non-lawyers. To make this process as simple as possible, our system will then generate the official court forms with your responses printed on them.
3. Consult Advocate (Optional)
You can consult a victim advocate or pro bono (free) lawyer to get guidance. These resources are typically paid by government and are free to you. An advocate or lawyer can help you review your case documents, and talk to you directly to discuss your case and safety planning. Only lawyers may give legal advice but most advocates have experience with protection orders and can support and guide you through this process.
4. File with the Clerk
You can formally begin the case by filing the PFA request documents in certain Alabama Circuit Court clerk’s offices. A victim who files this case becomes the “Plaintiff”. A victim may file a petition for a protection order may be filed in any of the following locations
(1) Where the plaintiff or defendant resides.(2) Where the plaintiff is temporarily located if he or she has left his or her residence to avoid further abuse.
(3) Where the abuse occurred.
(4) Where a civil matter is pending before the court in which the plaintiff and the defendant are opposing parties. Ala. Code § 30-5-3
You will be informed about which specific court you need to file at as its important to go to one that has jurisdiction over your case. You can file by either printing and visiting the clerk's office at the court or in many locations online directly from this website.
TYPES OF PROTECTION ORDERS
Protection Order / Protection From Abuse (PFA) Order
A "Protection Order," sometimes referred to as a "Restraining Order," is a court order issued under the Protection from Abuse Act (PFA) which protects a person who has been abused by a family or household member or by a current or former sexual or intimate partner as defined in RSA 173-B.
Victim Impact Statement
A Victim Impact Statement is a statement submitted to the court by a crime victim to describe how the crime has affected their life. It is usually presented during sentencing and helps the judge understand the emotional, physical, and financial impact of the crime.
Stalking Order of Protection
This court order protects a person who has been stalked as defined by RSA 633:3-a.The person who wants protection (“the plaintiff”) files the case against the other party (“the defendant”). There does not need to be a special relationship between the plaintiff and the defendant. A person who has been stalked by a family member, household member, or current or former intimate partner might also qualify for a Domestic Violence Order of Protection.
The preparation of this case type is not quite ready yet
Criminal Restitution Case
The Alabama Criminal Restitution Case allows crime victims to receive financial reimbursement directly from the offender as part of the criminal sentencing. Ordered by a judge, restitution covers out-of-pocket expenses such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and funeral costs. Restitution is separate from victim compensation and is paid by the offender, not the state, under Alabama Code § 15-18-67 through § 15-18-78.
Civil Restraining Order
A Civil Restraining Order is court order telling someone (“the defendant”) to stay away from or to stop an action that directly affects the person asking for the order (“the plaintiff”). There are no special relationships or specific criminal acts that are needed to ask for a Civil Restraining Order.
The preparation of this case type is not quite ready yet
Crime Victims Compensation Case
The Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Case allows victims of violent crimes, or their immediate family members, to receive financial help for expenses related to the crime. This may include medical bills, counseling, funeral costs, and lost wages. To qualify, the crime must have been reported to law enforcement, and the application must be filed within one year of the incident, unless a valid reason for delay is provided.
CONVENIENCES
Privacy
You can explore legal options for getting a protection order while maintaining your complete privacy. Nothing is shared with the government unless you share or submit.
Resources
Learn about free community and pro bono resources. Connect with them and share your case data with a few clicks.
Comprehensive
Covers all common situations such as those involving minors, or firearms, or others permitted by the Washington State law, thereby saving you time.
Forms Selection
Correct form, and the most updated versions are automatically selected based on your situation.
Automated Checks
Run automated checks to verify correctness of your responses and to avoid mistakes that may cause delays in securing a protection order.
Simplified
All questions are presented in plain non-legal language. Difficult concepts are broken down into simpler steps.
NOTES
Legal Information
The legal information contained here does not constitute legal advice or substitute for legal advice.
Courts
This website provides services to prepare cases across New Hampshire i.e. across all counties as they share the same state-wide law. It also has county specific slight changes such as additional court forms required.
CONTACT TECHNICAL SUPPORT
This contact form is for technical support questions only. For non-technical questions please contact the victim advocates at the telephone numbers listed at the bottom of this page.
