Overview

A Stalking Protective Order (SPO) in Alaska is a court order that protects a person who has been the victim of stalking or repeated unwanted contact that causes fear. Alaska Statute AS 18.65.850 governs the issuance of these orders. A stalking protective order can be sought in any Alaska District or Superior Court and is available to both adults and minors (through guardians or representatives). It can include provisions restricting the stalker from contacting, approaching, or following the victim. The process begins with filing the appropriate forms, providing evidence, and may result in an ex parte (immediate) order followed by a hearing for a long-term order.

Who Can Apply

Anyone who reasonably believes they are a victim of stalking (that is not a crime involving domestic violence) may file for an SPO. A parent or guardian may file on behalf of a minor, and a representative may help a person who cannot safely or practically file for themselves. See the Alaska Court System’s stalking/sexual assault protective order materials and statutes for details.

Benefits of the Stalking Protective Order

Core benefits include immediate, enforceable “no contact” and “stay away” directives; clearer boundaries for communications (including electronic); a framework for police response and arrest upon violations; and a formal record that can support related criminal or civil matters. Alaska statutes authorize courts to issue ex parte orders followed by a noticed hearing and to extend long-term orders when necessary.

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

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

Before you invest time and energy in filing, verify that what you are experiencing aligns with Alaska’s legal definition of stalking. At a high level, Alaska criminal statutes describe stalking as repeated acts that place a person in fear of injury or death, or that cause serious emotional distress, often involving following, monitoring, or repeated unwanted contact. While you are not required to pursue criminal charges to request a civil protective order, the civil court will look for a pattern and for fear that is reasonable under the circumstances. Document every incident meticulously: date, time, location, what happened, how it made you feel, any threats, whether weapons were mentioned, and whether any third parties witnessed or were told about the conduct. Preserve digital evidence (texts, emails, direct messages, call logs, social media screenshots), physical evidence (notes left on your car, unwanted gifts), and any police incident numbers. If you used a safety plan—changing routines, alerting your workplace or school, adjusting privacy settings—note what you did and why.

Consider the relationship context. Stalking protective orders under AS 18.65.850 are designed for stalking that is not a crime involving domestic violence; if your situation involves a current or former intimate partner or certain family/household relationships, a domestic violence protective order (DVPO) might be the appropriate path instead. If you are unsure which category fits, review the Alaska Court System’s self-help materials for stalking/sexual assault protective orders and domestic violence protective orders, or call a court self-help center. You can also consult a victim advocate or legal aid organization (confidentially) to triage which filing type best matches your facts.

A judge at the ex parte stage reads only your petition; the respondent is not present. Your burden is to present enough detail to show why immediate, short-term protection is needed. Later, at the noticed hearing, the court will take testimony and exhibits from both sides. Although SPO proceedings are civil, the term “stalking” draws from criminal definitions (AS 11.41.270) that explain the types of behavior the Legislature targeted; citing concrete behavior that matches those patterns helps the court evaluate risk. Before filing, think through what relief you actually need: no contact (including indirect contact through friends or online), stay-away zones (home, school, workplace), firearm restrictions where authorized by law, and any other conditions that would realistically reduce your risk. Having a clear ask keeps your narrative focused and improves the usability of the order by law enforcement if it’s granted.

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 document is the Petition for Stalking Protective Order (CIV-752). The court also publishes instructions (CIV-751) that explain eligibility, what details to include, and what happens after you file. Forms are available in person at any District or Superior Court clerk’s office and online through the Court System’s forms index. The protective order section also lists related forms you may encounter, including the Confidential Law Enforcement Information Sheet (DV-127) and request forms to modify, extend, or dissolve a protective order if you later need to change it.

Read the instructions end-to-end before writing. The petition is your primary evidence at the ex parte stage; clarity and specificity matter. The Alaska forms are designed to help self-represented litigants, but they still require you to describe incidents in a factual, chronological way. Avoid conclusions (“they are dangerous”) and stick to observable behavior (“on 9/1, they waited outside my office; when I exited, they followed me to the parking lot, filmed me with a phone, and said, ‘I’ll see you when you least expect it’”). If you seek immediate relief, the forms let you request an ex parte (same-day) order. The instructions explain how the court schedules a long-term hearing and the requirement that the respondent receive notice. Having the right packet prevents avoidable delays; for example, completing DV-127 helps law enforcement serve the respondent promptly once an order issues. Print or download multiple copies so you can keep one for your records and have one ready to show an employer or school if a stay-away zone is granted. If English is not your first language, ask the clerk about language access options; the court provides translated information in multiple languages in some protective order materials. Finally, be mindful of safety when downloading or printing—use a safe device, and clear browser history if necessary.

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

Treat the CIV-752 like a structured declaration. Start with a short summary sentence explaining why you need protection now (“I am requesting an immediate stalking protective order because, over the past eight weeks, the respondent has repeatedly followed me after work, sent over 120 messages from multiple accounts, and threatened to ‘show up at my house,’ causing me fear for my safety”). Then lay out discrete incidents in chronological order. For each: provide date/time, location, what the respondent did or said, how they knew where you were (if apparent), whether you told them to stop, and how you felt. Tie the events together to show a pattern; stalking is about repetition and escalation. If there were police contacts, list report or incident numbers—even if no arrest occurred. Attach exhibits if permitted (printouts of messages, photos of gifts left at your door, log of calls). If you fear revealing your home address, ask the clerk how to keep it confidential or list an alternate mailing address while ensuring you can receive court notices.

Be explicit about requested protections: no contact in any form; no third-party or electronic contact; stay-away distances for home, school, and workplace; restrictions on surveillance or tracking; and any other conditions that fit your facts. Explain why each is reasonably necessary (e.g., the respondent has used work email to contact you; a workplace stay-away is needed). If there are firearms concerns authorized by law, identify facts (e.g., respondent brandished a firearm during an incident). Keep your tone factual and avoid speculation. The judge reading your ex parte petition has limited time; making it easy to digest increases the likelihood of prompt, tailored relief. Finally, proofread for accuracy and completeness. Inconsistencies, even minor, can undermine credibility later.

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

File the CIV-752 with the District or Superior Court where you live, where the respondent lives, or where the stalking occurred. There is no filing fee for stalking protective orders in Alaska. Tell the clerk if you are requesting an ex parte order; the court may be able to route your petition to a judge the same day for emergency consideration. Be available by phone in case the judge has questions. If granted, an ex parte order typically issues for a short period so the court can set a noticed hearing. In parallel, the court schedules the long-term hearing and must ensure that the respondent receives notice of that hearing and their right to appear and be heard with at least ten days’ notice under Alaska law. You will receive written notice with the date, time, and location (or remote access details) of the long-term hearing. Keep that notice and calendar it immediately; missing the hearing can cause the ex parte order to lapse.

Ask the clerk how to arrange service (delivery) of the order and hearing notice. Usually law enforcement will serve protective order paperwork, and the court’s forms include a confidential information sheet to help officers locate the respondent. Verify your contact information is correct so you receive updates. If the judge denies ex parte relief, you generally still receive a noticed hearing; treat the period before the hearing as time to strengthen your evidence. Consider contacting a victim advocate for safety planning and practical help organizing exhibits. If your workplace or school needs to know about stay-away conditions, provide a copy of any order to the appropriate security staff. Remember that the ex parte order is not effective until served on the respondent; however, you should still follow its boundaries yourself to avoid accidental contact. Carry a copy of the order once issued, and store a digital copy on your phone for quick access by officers if needed.

Step 5: Ensure Prompt, Safe Service on the Respondent

Service is the legal step that makes your order enforceable and gives the court jurisdiction to proceed with a long-term hearing. In Alaska protective order cases, law enforcement commonly serves ex parte and long-term orders on respondents. Work with the clerk and, if required, complete any law-enforcement information sheet so officers have addresses, workplaces, vehicles, and best times to attempt service. Emphasize safety; do not attempt to serve the respondent yourself. If you learn the respondent’s location changes, promptly inform the clerk or the law enforcement agency handling service. Keep a log of your communications, and ask how to check whether service was successful so you can prepare for the hearing accordingly.

If service proves difficult (for example, the respondent is avoiding service or in a remote area), explore alternatives with the court before the hearing date. Alaska courts may allow additional attempts or scheduling adjustments to facilitate service. Bring any proof that the respondent is actively evading service (e.g., returned mail, messages indicating awareness of the case). Remember, the ex parte order does not automatically convert to a long-term order; the court needs both notice and an opportunity for the respondent to be heard. If your ex parte order is in effect, continue to carry it and report violations immediately. If there is no order yet, maintain your safety plan (vary routes, alert your employer or campus safety, adjust privacy settings, and document any ongoing incidents). Service is free in protective order cases; there is no cost barrier to asking officers to make reasonable attempts. If the respondent is in jail, alert the clerk; service may occur at the facility, which can simplify logistics. Finally, obtain confirmation once service is complete; the court record should reflect proof of service so the hearing can proceed on the merits.

Step 6: Prepare Thoroughly for the Long-Term Hearing

Treat the long-term hearing like a mini-trial focused on whether continued protection is necessary. Organize your narrative around the same discrete incidents listed in your petition, plus any new events since filing. Print and label exhibits (texts, emails, screenshots, photos, call logs) and bring at least two copies (for the judge and the respondent). Create a witness list with contact information; ask witnesses to attend in person or be available by phone/video if the court permits. If a witness cannot attend, ask the clerk about options; courts generally prefer live testimony, but some documents (such as certified records) may be admissible without testimony. Practice your direct testimony: who you are, your relationship (if any) to the respondent, a concise summary of the stalking pattern, and then your timeline of incidents with key details. Avoid generalizations; let the specific acts show the pattern and your reasonable fear.

Prepare to address counter-arguments. If the respondent claims the contacts were accidental, show why the contact pattern was purposeful (e.g., the respondent appeared at multiple unrelated locations, created new accounts after being blocked). If the respondent alleges you consented to contact, present messages where you clearly said to stop. Bring physical evidence of any safety changes you made (e.g., HR emails about moving desks, campus reports, security camera requests) to demonstrate the practical impact of the conduct. Think through your requested relief and be ready to explain why each condition is tailored (e.g., 300-foot stay-away at your home because of line of sight; no social media contact because the respondent has used DMs to harass). Check your notice for remote appearance instructions; if the hearing is by phone or video, test your technology beforehand and have all exhibits ready to screen-share or email per the judge’s directions. Finally, plan logistics: childcare, time off work, and transport so you arrive early and calm. Bring your ex parte order and proof of service in case the judge asks. If you have questions about courtroom procedure, read the Alaska Court System’s general rules of evidence and self-help materials so you are comfortable with how exhibits are introduced and how testimony proceeds.

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

Arrive early and check in with the clerk. When your case is called, the judge will confirm appearances and explain the order of proof. You will testify first in most cases. Speak slowly. Start with your overview (“I’m seeking a long-term stalking protective order because the respondent has repeatedly followed me and contacted me after being told to stop, causing me fear for my safety”). Then walk through the incidents, referencing exhibits as you go (“Exhibit 1 is the video screenshot from 8/14”). If you have witnesses, call them after you finish; ask concise, non-leading questions: who they are, how they know you, what they observed, and when. Expect cross-examination; keep answers direct and avoid argument. If the respondent testifies, listen carefully and take notes; you will have a chance to respond briefly and point the court to exhibits that contradict inaccuracies.

Focus on relevance. Protective order hearings are streamlined; judges prioritize facts that show a pattern of unwanted contact that would make a reasonable person feel fear and that justify the requested scope of relief. Avoid bringing in unrelated grievances; keep the focus on post-breakup harassment (if applicable), tracking, surveillance, third-party contact, spoofing, account-hopping, and physical following. If the respondent raises constitutional arguments about speech, emphasize that you are asking the court to prohibit contact directed at you, not to restrict general speech. Be prepared for the judge to ask clarifying questions (“How many times did they show up at your workplace?” “When did you tell them to stop?”). Answer precisely. If the respondent appears by phone or video and you fear post-hearing retaliation, ask the judge to remind both parties about no-contact terms that will apply immediately if an order issues. When closing, summarize the pattern, your fear, and why each requested term is necessary and reasonable. Thank the court. If the court rules orally, take notes; otherwise, wait for the written order. Either way, ask the clerk how to obtain certified copies and how law enforcement will be notified.

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

If the judge grants a long-term SPO, read every line before you leave the courthouse (or before you exit your remote session). Confirm the respondent’s identifying information, the exact no-contact language, any distance requirements, prohibited locations, and the expiration date. Many long-term protective orders run approximately one year unless otherwise stated. Ask the clerk about certified copies and whether the order is automatically transmitted to law enforcement databases. Keep a copy on you, one at home, one at work/school, and consider providing copies to building security or campus safety where stay-away terms apply. If the order includes firearm-related restrictions as allowed by law, note the instructions for verification or surrender where applicable.

Update your safety plan to align with the order. For example, if there is a workplace stay-away, inform HR and your direct manager; share the order with security and give them a current photo of the respondent if that’s safe. If the order prohibits electronic contact, block respondent accounts and document any attempts to circumvent the order (new accounts, third-party messages). Install or update privacy settings, and keep a contemporaneous log of potential violations. Remember that a protective order is preventive, not punitive; it gives police clear authority to intervene, but you still need to report violations promptly. If the order contains any terms you do not understand, ask the clerk to point you to the correct self-help materials or consider brief legal advice. If you moved during the case or will move soon, confirm how the court will contact you so you receive any modification or extension notices. If the judge denies a long-term order, ask about your options, including refiling if there are new incidents or seeking other remedies (e.g., criminal complaints or workplace/school protections).

Step 9: Enforce the Order and Respond to Violations Immediately

Violating a protective order is a crime in Alaska. If the respondent contacts you directly or indirectly, appears in prohibited places, or engages in other conduct barred by the order, call law enforcement and show them the order. Provide as much detail as you can: time, location, what happened, and any evidence (screenshots, voicemails). Ask for an incident or case number and write it in your violation log. If the violation involves online behavior from new accounts, capture full URLs and profile identifiers; officers can use that information in reports and investigations. If violations occur near your workplace or school, alert security immediately so they can create incident records and respond in real time. If you are unsure whether behavior qualifies as a violation (e.g., a third-party “like” on social media), err on the side of reporting; officers and prosecutors can assess whether the conduct meets statutory elements.

If violations persist or escalate, consider returning to court with a request to modify terms (tighten stay-away zones, add electronic contact restrictions) or to extend the order when it nears expiration. Bring your violation log and any police reports to the modification hearing. If the respondent files their own motion (to dissolve or modify), attend the hearing and present your evidence; the court will decide based on the facts and the legal standards that apply. Keep in mind that criminal cases for violating protective orders proceed separately; cooperating with prosecutors can help enforce accountability. Meanwhile, maintain support systems—advocates, counselors, trusted friends—and update your safety plan as circumstances change. An SPO is a powerful tool, but its effectiveness depends on swift reporting, consistent documentation, and appropriate follow-through with the court and law enforcement.

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

Long-term protective orders typically last about a year unless otherwise specified. Do not let your protection lapse if risk persists. Calendar the expiration date the day you receive the order and set reminders 60, 30, and 14 days before it ends. If the facts warrant continued protection, file the appropriate request to extend before expiration so there is no gap; check the forms index for the correct extension or modification request. In your request, summarize ongoing risk: any violations, new incidents, or credible reasons you remain afraid. Attach updated exhibits (recent messages, surveillance evidence, police reports) and explain why the same or adjusted conditions remain necessary. The court will schedule a noticed hearing and, under Alaska law, provide the respondent at least ten days’ notice of the hearing and their right to appear. Be prepared to testify again, focusing on developments since the original order.

If circumstances change in ways that make specific terms unworkable (e.g., you move jobs or residences, or the respondent changes tactics), ask to modify the order. Tailored, practicable conditions are easier for officers to enforce and for you to follow. If you and the respondent have unavoidable overlap (shared classes, same building), propose practical arrangements (staggered schedules, designated entrances) so the order can be honored without undue burden, while preserving safety. Keep copies of the renewed or modified order and distribute them to the same locations as before. Continue documenting incidents, even if they stop; a clean period can itself support future decisions if risk reappears. Finally, stay informed: court rules, standard forms, and statutes may be updated from time to time. Checking the Alaska Court System’s forms page and, if needed, obtaining brief legal advice can ensure your materials are current when you refile.

Costs Associated

There is no filing fee for stalking protective orders in Alaska; service by law enforcement is also generally at no cost to the petitioner. Incidental expenses may include printing, copying, transportation, or brief legal consultations; many self-help resources are free, and legal aid or advocacy organizations may assist without charge.

Time Required

Emergency (ex parte) relief may be considered the same day you file. The court will schedule a noticed hearing for a long-term order, and Alaska law requires at least ten days’ notice to the respondent of that hearing. Long-term orders commonly run about a year, and extensions are available when the court finds continued protection is necessary.

Limitations of the Stalking Protective Order

An SPO cannot guarantee physical safety; it equips law enforcement to intervene and provides legal consequences for violations. It does not award money damages or resolve unrelated disputes. It must be served to be enforceable, and its effectiveness depends on consistent reporting and documentation of violations.

Risks and Unexpected Problems

Potential issues include respondent evasion of service, escalation through indirect or online contact, or misuse of third parties. Remote geography can slow service or complicate hearings. Technology issues can hamper remote testimony. Counter-claims or motions by the respondent may require additional hearings. Proactive preparation and close coordination with the court and law enforcement mitigate these risks.

Sources

• Alaska Court System – Domestic Violence, Stalking or Sexual Assault protective orders (forms and overview)
• Alaska Court System – Forms index (CIV-751, CIV-752, DV-127, extension/modification forms).
• CIV-752 – Petition for Stalking Protective Order (official form).
• AS 18.65.850 (Protective orders for stalking) – Legislature text.
• Notice and hearing provisions (at least 10 days’ notice) – bill amending AS 18.65.850(b)
• AS 11.41.270 (stalking) – definitional context
• AS 11.56.740 (violating a protective order) – amendments overview
• PUB-22 – How to Represent Yourself (general protective order info)