A restraining order is a court order that orders someone not to hurt you, to stay away from you, move out of the house, have no contact with you, or stop harassing you.
How to Get a Restraining Order
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Request Temporary Restraining Order Petition: You start the process by
requesting papers for a temporary restraining order (TRO). These papers are called the petition. The person completing the petition is called the petitioner. The person you file against is called the respondent.
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Send Petition to
County Clerk
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TRO Petition Goes to Court: Once you file a TRO petition, the court decides whether or not to issue a TRO based on the information you write in the petition.
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Injunction Hearing: If the court grants the TRO, the court will schedule a hearing for you to come back to court within 14 days. This hearing is called an injunction hearing. At that hearing you will ask the court to order a final order of protection, which is called an injunction.
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Injunction Granted: An injunction can be granted for up to 2 years for child abuse, and up to 4 years for domestic abuse, harassment, and individuals at risk.
You can represent yourself or you can hire an attorney to provide legal advice and assist in the court process.
Resources
Legal Advice or Representation
Wisconsin law does not authorize the Attorney General and employees of the Department of Justice to provide legal advice to private individuals. If you need legal advice or representation you may want to contact a private attorney. The State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral and Information Service can help you determine if you need a lawyer, and how to proceed if you do.
The State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral and Information Service