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EspañolCan I get an order of protection?
New York law allows you to file against a member of the same family or household who committed domestic violence against you. “Members of the same family or household” are defined as people who:
- are current or former spouses;
- are related by blood or marriage;
- have a child in common; or
- are/were in an intimate relationship.1 Note: An “intimate relationship” could include close relationships that are not romantic or sexual in nature. For more information, see What is the legal definition of an “intimate relationship?”
Even if the abuser has committed a crime against you and you have an order of protection from criminal court, you can still apply for a civil, family court order of protection since both courts have what is called “concurrent jurisdiction.”2
Note: An order of protection can also be issued in supreme court,3 which is the court in NY state where divorces are filed and litigated. You can request an order of protection at any time before trial or before a settlement is final in the divorce. However, getting changes made to a supreme court order can be difficult and expensive. It might be a good idea to request that the order include a provision that any future changes can be made in family court.
1 NY Fam Ct Act § 812(1)
2 NY Fam Ct Act § 115(e)
3 NY Dom Rel Law § 240(3)
Can I get an order of protection against a same-sex partner?
In New York, 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 Can I get an order of protection? You must also be the victim of an act of domestic violence, which is explained here What is the legal definition of domestic violence (“family offenses”) in New York?
You can find information about LGBTQIA victims of abuse and what types of barriers they may face on our LGBTQIA Victims page.
How much does it cost to get an order of protection?
There are no fees to file a petition for an order of protection.
I am a minor. Can I get an order of protection without the help of an adult?
You may be able to get an order of protection on your own in family court – the main law covering family court orders of protection doesn’t have any specific rules for minors. (For information on who is eligible to file in family court, see Can I get an order of protection?)
Various scenarios might happen:
- The judge might allow you to have a hearing without the help of an adult.
- The judge may want to appoint either a guardian ad litem or an attorney (formerly called a “law guardian”) to help you with your case.
- The judge might order that your parent(s) be involved. If getting your parent(s) involved would put you in danger, be sure to let the judge know, and request that the judge appoint you an attorney instead.
You may want to contact a domestic violence organization or legal resource in your area for assistance and support - see our NY Places that Help page.
Can I bring a friend or other person with me for support?
The law says that if you are the petitioner in an order of protection case, you are allowed to have a friend, relative, counselor or social worker present in the court room with you for support - even if you are represented by a lawyer. That person cannot participate in the court case as a lawyer could unless the judge decides on his/her own to question that person.1
If you are the respondent in an order of protection case, you also have the same right to bring someone with you for support but only if you do not have a lawyer representing you. The judge does have the right to exclude this person from the courtroom however if the judge finds it “undesirable” to have the person there.1
1 NY Fam Ct Act § 838
Do I need to have an attorney?
You do not have to have an attorney at the hearing but you may want one, especially if you think the abuser will have a lawyer.
The court should advise both you and the abuser that you each have a right to hire a lawyer to represent you and that if you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, you can ask the court to assign a lawyer to represent you for free (if you are a low-income person.)1 In order to qualify for a free court-appointed lawyer, you must meet certain income requirements and the judge may ask you to produce paystubs or other proof of your income. Do not be afraid to speak up and ask for an attorney even if the judge does not ask you if you want one appointed.
Even if you choose to proceed without an attorney or if the court delays in appointing an attorney for you, we recommended that you consult with an attorney to make sure that your legal rights are protected. For more information on domestic violence agencies and legal assistance in your area, please go to NY Places that Help.
1 NY Fam Ct Act §262(a)(ii)
