Process Overview
This website presents a series of questions and, at the end, generates the paperwork for an Arizona Order of Protection.
HOW THIS WEBSITE WORKS
This website provides a guided experience for individuals who are preparing court forms for an Arizona Order of Protection.
1. Take Screening
Select the specific protection order you want to file for. Then answer a few questions to determine your eligibility.
2. Prepare Documents for an Arizona Order of Protection
Prepare the main set of your court documents by covering one topic at a time. Each topic offers questions in simple and non-legal language. Just do your best and in case you need help you can get reach out for help just with a few clicks.
3. Consult Advocate (Optional)
Depending on your situation, we can suggest any trusted free victim advocacy non profits. The advocate can assist you with certain aspects of the case and safety planning. They can review your case documents, and talk to you directly to discuss your case.
4.E-File Civil Restraining Order
This website simplifies the filing to a couple of clicks, and get follow up notifications from the court.
How to Get an Arizona Order of Protection
How do you get an Order of Protection in Arizona?
To obtain an Order of Protection in Arizona, you must file a petition with the appropriate Arizona court. In emergency situations, a judge may issue an Order of Protection on an ex parte basis, meaning without the respondent being present. If granted, a hearing may be scheduled if the respondent contests the order, and a judge will determine whether the order should remain in effect.
Step 1
You: Gather Evidence What do you need to get an Order of Protection in Arizona?
Gather Evidence
What do you need to request an Order of Protection in Arizona?
You should gather evidence that supports your request, although your sworn statement alone is considered evidence that the court can review.
The following types of evidence are commonly used in Arizona Order of Protection cases:
Evidence Type 1: Pending Criminal Case
Judges may consider whether there is an ongoing criminal case involving the respondent. Any related charges or investigations may help show that law enforcement is reviewing the alleged conduct.
Evidence Type 2: Photographs of Injuries or Property Damage
Photographs showing injuries, physical harm, or damage to property may be submitted. Including photos with descriptions of when and how the incident occurred can help the court understand what happened.
Evidence Type 3: Messages, Emails, or Voicemails
Screenshots or printouts of text messages, emails, or voicemail transcripts showing threats, harassment, stalking, or abuse may be included as evidence. These should be clear and readable.
Evidence Type 4: 911 or Emergency Calls
If law enforcement or emergency services were contacted, you may include details such as:
The date and time of the call
The phone number used
Who made the call
A summary of what was reported
Any relevant response information
Evidence Type 5: Medical Records
Medical documentation showing injuries or treatment related to the alleged conduct may be submitted, including hospital records or medical summaries.
Evidence Type 6: Police Reports
Copies of police reports related to incidents involving the respondent may be included to support your request.
Evidence Type 7: Witness Statements
Written statements from witnesses such as family members, neighbors, coworkers, or others who observed relevant events may be submitted. These statements should clearly describe what the witness saw or heard.
Step 2
You: Take Online Screening
Determine whether your situation may be appropriate for an Order of Protection in Arizona by completing a screening. You can begin by entering your ZIP code in the top right corner.
Step 3
You: Create Case Documents - "Packet"
After the screening, this website will guide you through the remaining steps to prepare your case documents.
For your information: To apply for an Order of Protection in Arizona, you must complete and submit the required court forms to the appropriate Arizona court. These forms include questions designed to understand your situation and the parties involved.
The most important form is the Petition for an Order of Protection, which starts the case and asks the court to issue protection.
Step 4
E-file with the court: How to file an Order of Protection in Arizona
This website also allows you to digitally sign and e-file your Order of Protection forms with the court.
Other online sources may provide court forms, but they do not allow you to officially file with the court.
To formally request the court’s protection, you must submit your documents to the appropriate Arizona court. This step is called filing, and there are two ways to do it, both having the same legal effect:
Online (E-file)
In person
E-filing is convenient and can be completed at any time. The date of filing is the date the court receives your submission, or the next business day if submitted after hours.
Order of Protection forms are filed with the appropriate Arizona court, depending on where you live or where the incident occurred.
Once filing is complete, the court will assign a case number, which you can use to track your case.
Step 5
Judge Issues a Temporary Order of Protection
Depending on the facts and evidence presented, a judge may issue a temporary Order of Protection in Arizona the same day, providing immediate protection until a full hearing is held. This is often referred to as an emergency ex parte order.
In less urgent situations, a temporary order may be issued within a few days after the petition is reviewed.
If there are no legal grounds, the application is incomplete, or the court lacks jurisdiction, the request may be denied. In some cases, the court may schedule a hearing so that both parties can present their case.
A temporary Order of Protection generally remains in effect until the scheduled hearing, unless it is modified, extended, or dismissed by the court.
Step 6
Law Enforcement: Serving the Temporary Order of Protection
Law Enforcement: Service of the Temporary Order of Protection
The Temporary Order of Protection is served on the respondent in one of the following ways. Once service is completed, the order becomes enforceable, and any violation may result in arrest or criminal charges.
Service by Law Enforcement: The court may arrange for law enforcement to serve the respondent. In this case, you do not need to take any additional action.
Service by the Applicant or a Legal Process Server: The court may provide you with a packet containing the temporary order and related documents. You must arrange for a qualified adult or professional process server to formally serve these documents on the respondent.
Special Circumstances (Respondent Address Unknown): In some situations, you may be provided with a complete set of documents, sometimes referred to as a “911 packet.” If law enforcement is called during an encounter with the respondent, this packet can be used so officers may serve the documents directly.
Step 7
You, Abuser: Attend Court Hearing
Attend a Hearing
The court schedules a hearing, usually within 14–21 days, where evidence and statements from both parties are reviewed. If the judge finds sufficient legal grounds, a final Order of Protection may be issued. Once issued, violating the order may result in criminal penalties.
If the respondent fails to appear at the hearing after being properly served (typically at least 7 days before the hearing), the court may proceed in their absence and may issue the order based on the information provided to the court.
Step 8
You: Collect Final Order
After the Hearing: Final Order of Protection
After the hearing, the court may issue a final Order of Protection. You should obtain a paper copy of the order for your records, as it may be needed if you need to involve law enforcement in the future.
In Arizona, a final Order of Protection remains in effect for one year from the date it is served on the respondent, unless the court specifies a different duration or the order is modified, dismissed, or extended by the court.
Court Forms Created
After you complete the screening and questionnaires, you can download the standard Arizona court forms pre-filled with your information. These forms are provided for use in Arizona courts.
