Overview

A Stalking Protective Order (SPO) in Alaska is a civil court order designed to stop a pattern of stalking—repeated nonconsensual contact that creates reasonable fear. The process typically begins with an emergency (ex parte) request based on your sworn petition and proceeds to a noticed hearing where a judge can issue a long‑term order. Orders can prohibit contact (including electronic and third‑party), require stay‑away distances from specified locations, and include other tailored terms. This article walks you through a ten‑step, practice‑oriented process—from documenting incidents to renewal—so you can move efficiently and safely through the Alaska courts.

Who Can Apply

Individuals experiencing stalking that does not fall under domestic‑violence relationships may petition for an SPO. Parents or legal guardians can file for minors; people who need assistance may receive help from advocates or representatives while retaining their own voice in the process. The Alaska Court System publishes official instructions and petitions specific to stalking/sexual assault protective orders; using them keeps your case on the correct legal track.

Benefits of a Stalking Protective Order

An SPO establishes clear, enforceable boundaries and equips law enforcement to respond. It creates a record of the stalking pattern, deters escalation through criminal consequences for violations, and can be tailored to the realities of your home, school, work, and online life. Because the order is issued by a court, third parties such as employers or schools can rely on it to coordinate security measures.

Step-by-Step Process for Getting a Stalking Protective Order in Alaska

Step 1: Confirm Your Situation Meets Alaska’s Legal Definition of Stalking

Start by mapping your experiences to Alaska’s legal definition of stalking. In Alaska, stalking is understood as a pattern—a course of conduct involving repeated nonconsensual contact that would make a reasonable person fear death or physical injury, or fear the same for a family member. Translate that legal idea into concrete, observable episodes. Write down every incident, in chronological order, including dates, times, places, and what the respondent did or said. Capture screenshots of texts, emails, DMs, and call logs; save voicemails; photograph physical notes or unwanted gifts. If you filed police reports or requested welfare checks, record incident numbers. If you changed routines, alerted your employer or school, or adjusted privacy settings, note those steps—they show impact and reasonable fear.
Your goal in this step is twofold: (1) verify that what happened matches Alaska’s stalking framework; and (2) prepare the factual backbone you’ll need for the petition and for court. Avoid labels and conclusions; stick to verifiable behavior. Instead of writing “they’re dangerous,” write “on 09/14 at 7:30 p.m., the respondent waited outside my workplace; after I exited, they followed me to my car while recording me and said, ‘See you later, wherever you go.’” This level of specificity helps the judge see repetition, intentionality, and escalation.
Consider the relationship context because Alaska maintains distinct tracks for protective orders. The stalking/sexual assault protective order (SPO) is the right civil tool when the conduct is stalking and does not fall under the domestic-violence relationship categories. If the respondent is a current or former intimate partner or falls within domestic-violence relationships, you may need a domestic violence protective order instead. If unsure, compare the Alaska Court System’s self-help pages for stalking/sexual assault orders and domestic violence orders and, if possible, consult an advocate or brief legal advice program. Choosing the correct track prevents delays and ensures the court applies the right statute and forms.
Think ahead to relief. List what would actually reduce your risk: a no-contact directive covering calls, texts, emails, social media, and third-party contact; stay-away zones for home, school, and workplace with realistic distances; conditions addressing surveillance or tracking (including device- or software-based monitoring). If facts support it and the law allows, consider firearm-related conditions. Anticipate how each term could be enforced by officers in the field; specificity helps—for example, naming a building and its entrances for a workplace stay-away. By the end of Step 1, you should have a clear, incident-driven narrative and a practical list of requested protections to carry into the petition.

Step 2: Obtain the Official Court Forms and Read the Instructions Carefully

Use only the Alaska Court System’s official forms for stalking/sexual assault protective orders. For stalking, the core filing is the Petition for Stalking Protective Order (CIV‑752). The instructions (CIV‑751) explain eligibility, what details the court needs, and what comes next. You can pick up paper packets at any District or Superior Court, or download them from the Court System’s forms portal. The forms are designed for self-represented people, but they still require clarity and detail. Before writing, read the instructions end‑to‑end so you understand how ex parte (emergency) requests work, how long‑term hearings are set, and which information is kept confidential for service by law enforcement.
Build your packet. At minimum, print or download: (1) CIV‑751 (instructions); (2) CIV‑752 (petition); and (3) any confidentiality or law‑enforcement sheets the court uses to help officers serve the respondent. Keep one clean copy for yourself and one to mark up. If English is not your first language, ask the clerk about language access resources; the court offers translated materials in some contexts, and hearings can sometimes be arranged with interpreters. If safety is an issue, use a secure device, clear your browser history, and consider printing at a safe location.
As you read the forms, pay attention to prompts that ask for specific incidents. These are not boxes to be filled with generalities; they are the spine of your case. When a prompt asks, “Describe what happened,” give date‑stamped, behavior‑focused entries. If you seek immediate relief, the forms allow you to request an ex parte order that can be reviewed the same day a judge is available. The instructions also explain service—how the order and notice of hearing will be delivered—and the respondent’s right to a noticed hearing before a long‑term order can issue. Knowing these mechanics now prevents missteps later and helps you plan exhibits, witnesses, and logistics.

Finally, confirm you have the latest versions. Court forms occasionally change. Check the forms index page on the Alaska Court System website for current PDFs and any “petition wizard” tools. If you have questions about how to fill out a field, clerks can answer procedural questions but cannot give legal advice. Victim advocates can often help you think through safety and organization while you fill forms. The time you invest in this step pays dividends—your petition will be clearer, your hearing will run smoother, and service will be faster because law enforcement has what they need.

Step 3: Draft a Precise, Incident‑Focused Petition That Supports Immediate Relief

Treat the petition like a sworn, structured narrative. Open with a one‑to‑three sentence summary that frames the risk and the pattern (“I am requesting an immediate stalking protective order because the respondent has repeatedly followed me after work, created new accounts to message me after being blocked, and said, ‘I’ll find you no matter what,’ causing me to fear for my safety”). Then present discrete episodes in chronological order. For each incident: provide the date and time, location, what was said or done, any physical proximity or following, whether you told the respondent to stop, and the effect on you (fear, changing routes, missing work). Attach exhibits where allowed—screenshots, call logs, photos—and label them clearly (“Exhibit 1: Texts 8/30–9/2”).
Be specific with requested relief and tie each request to facts. If the respondent used social media to harass you, request a no‑contact provision that includes DMs and new accounts. If they wait near your office entrance, propose a workable radius around the building and named entrances. If they appear at your child’s school, identify the campus and events. Courts value orders that are both protective and practical for officers to enforce. If permitted by law and supported by facts, describe any firearms‑related concerns. Avoid speculation and stick to what you observed. If you reported incidents, list the police or campus security report numbers; the court can consider that corroboration.
Accuracy matters. Check names, dates, and addresses twice. If your home address disclosure would increase danger, ask the clerk about confidential handling and alternative mailing addresses so you still receive notices. Remember that at the ex parte stage the judge has only your petition; clarity and credibility determine whether emergency relief issues. Finally, sign where required and keep a copy of the final, filed version. This is the document you’ll reference during your hearing preparation.

A strong petition is more than a list of grievances; it is a map that guides the judge through a pattern of nonconsensual contact and shows why immediate and continued protection is necessary. End your narrative with a concise statement of the harm you fear if protection is not granted and why the requested conditions are narrowly tailored to prevent it.

Step 4: File the Petition and Request Ex Parte Relief if You Face Immediate Risk

File your petition at a District or Superior Court where you live, where the respondent lives, or where stalking occurred. There is no filing fee for stalking protective orders. Tell the clerk if you are seeking an ex parte order so the petition can be routed to a judge as quickly as possible. Be reachable in case the judge has questions. Ex parte orders are short‑term; they are designed to stabilize the situation until a full hearing can be held with both sides present. The court will also set a long‑term hearing and provide the respondent with notice of the hearing and the right to be heard. Mark your calendar immediately—missing the hearing can cause the ex parte order to lapse.
Ask the clerk about service. In Alaska, law enforcement generally serves protective order paperwork. You’ll complete any required confidential information forms to help officers locate the respondent. The order does not bind the respondent until it is served, so provide as much location detail as you safely can (home, work, usual hours). If the judge denies ex parte relief, do not be discouraged; you will typically still receive a noticed hearing. Use the time before the hearing to strengthen your exhibits and safety plan.
If remote appearance is available or required, confirm how the court will contact you and how you will submit exhibits. Test your device and have a backup (printed copies, email drafts with exhibits attached) in case technology fails. Consider informing your employer or school about possible schedule impacts and, if appropriate, provide them a copy of any order so security can assist with compliance. Carry a copy of any ex parte order once issued and store a digital copy on your phone. Officers will often ask to see the order when responding to a call.

This step is about speed and precision: file, request emergency relief if justified, make service easy for law enforcement, and get the long‑term hearing on your calendar. Keep a log of all court and law‑enforcement communications; that record helps you track progress and prepares you for the next phases.

Step 5: Ensure Prompt, Safe Service on the Respondent

Service is the legal bridge between filing and enforceability. Without service, the respondent may not be legally bound by the order, and the long‑term hearing cannot proceed fairly. Work closely with the clerk and, where applicable, the serving agency (often Alaska State Troopers or local police). Provide addresses, workplaces, vehicles, photos if available, and best times for attempts. Keep your own safety paramount—do not attempt to serve the respondent yourself. Ask how you will be notified once service is complete and whether proof of service will automatically post to the court record.
If service is difficult—common in remote or rural areas, or where the respondent is deliberately evasive—stay in contact with the serving agency and the clerk. Provide updates if you receive new information about the respondent’s whereabouts. If needed, ask the court about additional attempts or scheduling adjustments so notice can be achieved. Meanwhile, continue your safety plan: vary routes, alert security at work or school, and document any continued contact attempts. If you learn the respondent is incarcerated or in custody elsewhere, alert the clerk so service can occur at that facility, which can simplify the process.
Remember that an ex parte order, once served, can be enforced immediately. Carry a copy and call law enforcement if violations occur. Document the details and obtain incident numbers. Because service triggers both enforceability and the timeline toward your hearing, treat this step as mission‑critical. Clear, current information for law enforcement accelerates service and reduces gaps in protection.

Step 6: Prepare Thoroughly for the Long‑Term Hearing

Approach the long‑term hearing like a focused mini‑trial. Your task is to show that a continuing order is reasonably necessary based on a pattern of stalking conduct and your ongoing fear. Organize exhibits: print and label screenshots, emails, call logs, social media posts, photos of notes/gifts, and any police or campus reports. Bring at least two extra copies for the judge and the respondent. Prepare a witness list; ask witnesses to attend in person or be available remotely if permitted. Draft a simple outline of your testimony: who you are; whether you know the respondent; a 30‑second summary of why you’re seeking protection; and a chronological walkthrough of key incidents, each tethered to an exhibit. Practice saying dates and locations clearly so the judge can follow and take notes.
Anticipate defenses and prepare responses. If the respondent claims coincidence, show a pattern that is unlikely to be random (multiple appearances at unrelated locations; new accounts after blocking; timing that suggests monitoring). If the respondent frames messages as “free speech,” focus on contact directed at you—calls, DMs, tags, third‑party messages—which protective orders can prohibit. Tie your requested conditions to facts: workplace stay‑away because of repeated parking‑lot encounters; no electronic contact due to harassing DMs and spoofed calls; school stay‑away because of appearances at pickup time. Confirm logistics with the clerk: exhibit exchange rules, remote hearing instructions, and time limits. Arrange childcare and time off work so you can arrive early, centered, and prepared. Bring your filed petition, ex parte order, proof of service, and your exhibit packet in case the court requests originals.

Preparation reduces anxiety and keeps your presentation on track. Judges appreciate concise, relevant testimony backed by organized exhibits; investing time now increases your chances of obtaining tailored, enforceable protection.

Step 7: Attend the Hearing and Present Clear, Relevant Evidence

On hearing day, check in with the clerk and settle your materials. When called, you’ll likely testify first. Speak slowly and address the judge. Start with your succinct overview, then follow your timeline. When referencing exhibits, identify them precisely (“Exhibit 2—screenshot of messages from 9/3, 9:41 p.m.”). If you have witnesses, call them after your testimony. Ask non‑leading questions that elicit what they observed and when. Expect cross‑examination; answer directly and avoid argument. If the respondent testifies, take notes. You may have an opportunity for brief rebuttal to correct inaccuracies, ideally by pointing to specific exhibits.
Focus on relevance: repeated nonconsensual contact, following, monitoring, threats, account‑hopping, third‑party outreach, and any escalation since filing. Be ready to explain why each requested term is necessary and practical. If the judge asks questions, answer precisely. If the hearing is remote, keep your exhibits handy in a single PDF with bookmarks or a labeled folder for quick screen‑share. If you fear immediate post‑hearing retaliation, request that the judge explain the terms on the record and remind the parties that any contact contrary to the order is prohibited. At the conclusion, the judge may rule from the bench or take the matter under advisement. Ask how and when you’ll receive the written order, and how to obtain certified copies the same day if the order issues.

If the court does not grant a long‑term order, ask politely about next steps. You may refile if new incidents occur. Either way, leave understanding the outcome, the reasons, and any safety planning adjustments you should make.

Step 8: Review the Long‑Term Order, Distribute Copies, and Implement Safety Measures

Read the long‑term order line by line before leaving the courthouse or ending the remote session. Confirm the respondent’s identifying details, the exact scope of no‑contact provisions (including electronic and third‑party contact), stay‑away distances and locations, any technology or surveillance restrictions, and the expiration date. Ask the clerk about certified copies; many people keep one on them at all times, one at home, one at work or school, and share with building or campus security. Confirm that law enforcement will receive the order for enforcement databases. If the order includes firearm‑related terms authorized by law, ask how those are implemented and verified.
Align your safety plan with the order. Provide copies to relevant stakeholders (HR, school administrators, security). Adjust privacy settings and block respondent accounts; document any circumvention attempts. Maintain a violation log with dates, times, locations, and descriptions; add incident numbers when police respond. If parts of the order are unclear, ask for clarification or seek limited‑scope legal advice. If the judge denied a long‑term order, create a plan for documenting any future incidents and consider other remedies (e.g., criminal complaints, workplace or campus restrictions).
The effectiveness of a protective order depends on swift reporting and consistent documentation. Treat the order as a proactive tool that empowers law enforcement to act and creates a clear paper trail.

Step 9: Enforce the Order and Respond to Violations Immediately

If the respondent violates the order—by contacting you, appearing where prohibited, or engaging in barred surveillance—call law enforcement at once. Show or send them the order and provide details of the violation. Capture digital evidence (full‑screen screenshots with timestamps, URLs, and profile names). For in‑person violations, note exact locations, witnesses, and any camera coverage. Request an incident or case number and add it to your log. If violations recur, inform the prosecutor’s office if a criminal case is opened for violating a protective order. Keep your employer or campus safety in the loop so they can respond in real time and create corroborating records.
If violations escalate or new tactics appear (e.g., spoofed numbers, third‑party intermediaries, drones, or trackers), return to court to request modifications that close gaps—such as explicit bans on electronic contact and tracking. Bring your log and any police reports. If the respondent files motions to modify or dissolve, attend the hearing and present your evidence. Throughout, preserve your well‑being: lean on advocates, counseling resources, and trusted allies. Remember that accountability often requires persistence: report, document, follow up, and use court processes when needed.

Step 10: Calendar the Expiration and Request Renewal or Modification as Needed

Long‑term stalking protective orders generally last about a year unless the court sets a different term. Do not allow protection to lapse if danger continues. The day you receive the order, put the expiration date on your calendar with reminders 60, 30, and 14 days in advance. If the pattern continues or you still reasonably fear harm, file to extend before the order expires so there is no gap. In your extension request, summarize new incidents or violations, attach updated exhibits, and explain why the same or adjusted terms remain necessary. The court will schedule a noticed hearing and provide the respondent with at least ten days’ notice of the hearing and the right to be heard. Prepare concise testimony focused on developments since the original order.
If your circumstances change (new home, new job, new schedules) or the respondent shifts tactics, ask to modify the order so it remains practical to follow and enforce. Propose concrete, enforceable terms that fit real‑world logistics—named entrances, specific distances, technology restrictions that reflect actual behavior. After renewal or modification, distribute fresh copies and update security contacts. Continue documenting—even periods without incidents can be important context in later proceedings. Finally, periodically check the Alaska Court System’s forms portal for updated forms and instructions so your materials remain current for any future filings.

Costs Associated

There is no filing fee for stalking protective orders in Alaska. Service by law enforcement is typically at no cost. Expect incidental expenses like printing, travel, or limited‑scope legal consultations. Many advocacy organizations provide free support.

Time Required

Emergency (ex parte) relief may be reviewed the day you file, depending on judge availability. The court will then schedule a noticed hearing; Alaska law provides that the respondent receive at least ten days’ notice of the hearing and the chance to be heard. Long‑term orders commonly last about one year; extensions are available on a proper showing.

Limitations

An SPO cannot physically prevent all contact; its power lies in enforceability and consequences. It does not award money damages or resolve unrelated disputes. It must be served to bind the respondent. Its effectiveness depends on prompt reporting and thorough documentation of violations.

Risks and Unexpected Problems

Common challenges include respondent evasion of service, escalation through indirect or online contact, and logistical barriers in rural areas. Technology hiccups can complicate remote hearings. Respondents may file motions to modify or dissolve, requiring additional court appearances. Proactive planning and coordination with the court, law enforcement, and advocates help mitigate these risks.

Sources

• Alaska Court System — Domestic Violence, Stalking or Sexual Assault (self-help overview and forms links)
• Alaska Court System — Forms index (CIV‑751 instructions; CIV‑752 petition)
• CIV‑751 — Instructions for Requesting a Protective Order Against Stalking or Sexual Assault (official PDF)
• CIV‑752 — Petition for Stalking Protective Order (official PDF)
• Alaska Legislature — Bill text amending AS 18.65.850(b) (ten‑day notice and hearing language)
• Alaska Legislature — Bill text including AS 11.41.270 (stalking definition context)
• Alaska Legislature — Bill text including AS 11.56.740 (violating a protective order)