Restraining Orders

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.