Process Overview
This website presents a list of questions, and then at the end generates the paperwork for Civil Restraining Order.
HOW THIS WEBSITE WORKS
This website provides a guided experience to people who are working themselves on preparing the court forms for a Civil Restraining Order.
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 Civil Restraining Order
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 a Civil Restraining Order
How do you get a Civil Restraining Order in Connecticut?
To obtain a Civil Restraining Order, you must file an application with the Connecticut Superior Court and may be required to attend a court hearing. In emergency situations, the court can issue a temporary (ex parte) restraining order the same day. A full hearing is typically scheduled within 14 days, where a judge decides whether to grant or extend the order.
Step 1
You: Gather Evidence. What do you need to get a Civil Restraining Order in Connecticut?
Gather Evidence
What do you need to request a Civil Restraining Order in Connecticut?
You should gather evidence that supports your request, although your sworn statement alone is considered evidence by the court.
The following types of evidence are commonly used in Connecticut Civil Restraining Order cases:
Evidence Type 1: Pending Criminal Case
Judges may be more likely to issue a temporary restraining order if there is an ongoing criminal case involving the respondent. Identifying any pending charges can help show that law enforcement or prosecutors believe the alleged conduct occurred.
Evidence Type 2: Photographs of Injuries or Property Damage
Photographs showing injuries, physical abuse, or damage to property are commonly submitted. Including photos alongside the related incident description can help the court better understand what occurred.
Evidence Type 3: Messages, Emails, or Voicemails
Screenshots or printouts of text messages, emails, or voicemail transcripts showing threats, harassment, or abuse may be submitted as exhibits. These should be clear and legible.
Evidence Type 4: 911 or Emergency Calls
If emergency services were contacted, you can strengthen your case by including:
The number called
The date and time of the call
Who made the call
What was reported
Any relevant details about the response
Evidence Type 5: Medical Records
Medical documentation showing injuries or treatment related to the respondent’s conduct may be submitted, including hospital records or patient-portal printouts.
Evidence Type 6: Police Reports
Copies of police reports related to incidents involving the respondent can be attached to support your request.
Evidence Type 7: Witness Statements
Written statements from witnesses such as family members, neighbors, coworkers, or bystanders may be submitted. These statements should describe what the witness observed and include specific details.
Step 2
You: Take Online Screening
Determine whether your situation may be appropriate for applying for a Civil Restraining Order in Connecticut 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 a Civil Restraining Order in Connecticut, you must complete and submit a set of official Connecticut Superior Court forms. These forms include questions designed to understand your situation and the parties involved.
The most important form is the Petition for a Civil Restraining Order, which initiates the case and requests the court’s protection.
Step 4
E-file with the court: How to file a Civil Restraining Order in Connecticut
This website also allows you to digitally sign and e-file your Civil Restraining Order 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 court clerk. 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 done at any time. The date of filing is the date the court receives your submission, or the next business day if filed after hours.
Civil Restraining Order forms are filed at your county’s Superior Court. Some courts may also be part of a Family Justice Center. For example: Hartford Superior Court or New Haven Superior Court.
Once filing is successful, the court will assign a case number, which you can use to track your case.
Step 5
Judge Issues a Temporary Civil Restraining Order
Depending on the facts and evidence presented, a judge can issue a temporary Civil Restraining Order the same day, providing immediate protection until a full hearing. 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.
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 for both parties to present their case.
A temporary order is generally valid for about 14–21 days, until the scheduled hearing. If the hearing is delayed, you should check with the court to ensure the temporary order is extended until the hearing takes place.
Step 6
Law Enforcement: Serves the Temporary Civil Restraining Order to the respondent
The Temporary Civil Restraining Order is served to the respondent in one of the following ways. Once served, you are legally protected any violation by the respondent may result in arrest or criminal charges:
Service by Law Enforcement: The court clerk may have law enforcement serve the respondent. You do not need to take any action in this case.
Service by the Applicant or Legal Process Server: The clerk may provide you with a packet containing the temporary order and other documents, which you must have formally served to the respondent by another adult or a professional process server.
Special Circumstances (Respondent Address Unknown): In some cases, a complete set of the temporary order and supporting documents—sometimes referred to as a “911 packet”—is given to you. This can be used if law enforcement is called during a confrontation, allowing the police to serve the packet directly to the respondent.
Step 7
You, Abuser: Attend Court Hearing
Attend a Hearing:
The court schedules a hearing, usually within 14–21 days, where the evidence and statements from both parties are reviewed. If the judge finds sufficient grounds, a full Civil Restraining Order is issued. Once issued, violating the order is a criminal offense.
If the respondent (abuser) fails to appear at the hearing after being properly served typically at least 7 days before the hearing the court may grant the restraining order automatically, without additional discussion or evidence.
Step 8
You: Collect Final Order
After the Hearing: Final Civil Restraining Order
After the hearing, the court may issue a final Civil Restraining Order. You should obtain a paper copy of the order for your records, which can be important if you need to involve law enforcement in the future.
In Connecticut, a final Civil Restraining Order is typically valid for up to one year, unless the court specifies a different duration or extends it.
Court Forms Created
After you complete the screening and questionnaires, you can download the standard Connecticut court forms pre-filled with your information. These forms are provided by the Connecticut Judicial Branch.
