Restraining Orders

Just as you received a notice of hearing, the abuser will also receive the same notice of hearing so s/he knows when to show up for the hearing. (The court will refer to the abuser as “the respondent.”) The abuser must be “served” with the notice of the hearing along with a copy of the petition that you filed and your ex parte order, if you received one. The court is supposed to arrange for service by any sheriff or police officer at least three days before the hearing.¹ You cannot serve the abuser yourself. If you desire, you can receive a notification when the ex parte order is served on the abuser.³ Ask the clerk for information on how to get this notification.

Law enforcement personnel will also enter any protection orders into the Missouri Uniform Law Enforcement System (MULES) within 24 hours of when the order is issued.²

You can find more information about service of process in our Preparing for Court – By Yourself section, in the question called What is service of process and how do I accomplish it?

¹ MO ST § 455.040(2)
² MO ST § 455.040(3)
³ MO ST § 455.038