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EspañolWho can get an order for protection?
In Indiana, you can be eligible for an order of protection against a family or household member, which is defined below, who commits acts of domestic violence or family violence. You can also get an order against anyone, regardless of the relationship, who committed harassment, stalking or a sex offense against you.
A person is considered a family or household member if:
- s/he is, or used to be, your spouse;
- you and the abuser lived together in an intimate relationship;
- you and the abuser have a child in common;
- you and the abuser are dating, or have dated, each other or have had a sexual relationship;
- you and the abuser are related by blood or adoption;
- you and the abuser are related by marriage;
- the abuser is, or used to be, your guardian, ward, custodian, foster parent or someone in a similar capacity;
- you are the minor child of a person in one of the types of relationships described above; or
- you adopted the child of the abuser.1
An order can be issued on behalf of a child against additional people, not just family and household members.2 See Can a minor get an order for protection? for more information.
Note: If an abuser has been violent towards you, stalked you, or threatened you with violence that might be carried out at your workplace, your employer has the right to file for a restraining order on your behalf.3 See Workplace Violence Restraining Orders for more information. If the abuser was arrested for family violence, you may also receive a “no contact order” from the criminal court, which offers some of the same protections as a civil order for protection.
1 IC § 34-6-2-44.8; see also the petition for an order of protection on the Indiana Judicial Branch website
2 IC § 34-26-5-2(b)
3 IC §§ 34-26-6-6; 34-26-6-7
Can I get an order for protection against a same-sex partner?
In Indiana, you may apply for an order of protection against a current or former same-sex partner as long as the relationship meets the requirements listed in Who can get an order for protection?
You can find information about LGBTQIA victims of abuse and what types of barriers they may face on our LGBTQIA Victims page.
Can a minor get an order for protection?
A minor’s parent, legal guardian, or another representative may file the petition for an order for protection on the minor’s behalf against:
- a family or household member who commits an act of domestic or family violence;
- a person who commits stalking or a sex offense against the minor;
- a person who has committed repeated acts of harassment against the minor; or
- a person who engaged in a course of conduct involving repeated or continuing contact with the minor that is intended to prepare or condition the minor for sexual activity.1
If the order for protection is filed against someone who attends the same school as the minor, the judge will have to determine whether issuing the order for protection may affect the school’s ability to provide in-person instruction to the minor. If the judge believes that it might have such an effect, then the judge cannot issue the order for protection until a notice is provided to the school corporation, by registered mail or certified mail, that includes:
- notice of the petition for the order for protection; and
- the date for the hearing on the petition for the order for protection.2
Once the school receives this notice, the school corporation has three business days to respond to the notice and a representative of the school corporation has the right to testify at the hearing on the petition for the order for protection. If the school doesn’t respond to the notice within the three business days, then the judge can issue the order for protection.2
1 IC § 34-26-5-2(c)
2 IC § 34-26-5-2(f)
Can I get an order for protection against a minor?
As long as you meet the other requirements for filing for an order for protection, it does not matter if the abuser is a minor. You can still file an order for protection against a minor and the judge can still issue an ex parte order if necessary. However, if the case is set down for a hearing, the matter may be transferred to a court that handles cases against juveniles.1
If the order for protection is filed against someone who attends the same school as you, the judge will have to determine whether issuing the order for protection may affect the school’s ability to provide you with in-person instruction. If the judge believes that it might have such an effect, then the judge cannot issue the order for protection until a notice is provided to the school corporation, by registered mail or certified mail, that includes:
- notice of the petition for the order for protection; and
- the date for the hearing on the petition for the order for protection.2
Once the school receives this notice, the school corporation has three business days to respond to the notice and a representative of the school corporation has the right to testify at the hearing on the petition for the order for protection. If the school doesn’t respond to the notice within the three business days, then the judge can issue the order for protection.2
1 IC § 34-26-5-2(e)
2 IC § 34-26-5-2(f)
How much does it cost to get an order for protection?
There is no filing fee to get an order for protection.1
Although you do not need a lawyer to file for an order for protection, it may be to your advantage to seek legal counsel. This is especially important if the abuser has obtained a lawyer. Even if the abuser does not have a lawyer, it is recommended that you contact a lawyer or domestic violence program or lawyer to make sure that your legal rights are protected.
If you cannot afford a lawyer but want one to help you with your case, you can find information on legal assistance and domestic violence organizations on the Indiana Places that Help page. In addition, court staff may be able to answer some of your questions or help you fill out the necessary court forms. You will find contact information for courthouses on the Indiana Courthouse Locations page.
1 IC § 34-26-5-16
