A full order of protection is a court order intended to protect domestic violence victims from stalking, abuse, sexual assault, and harassment. The order of protection can prevent an abuser from contacting you, visiting your home, or visiting your work. If an abuser violates a full order of protection, they can be arrested and prosecuted for the violation.
Domestic Violence
In the state of Missouri, domestic violence is defined as abuse or stalking perpetrated by a family or household member. The threat of physical harm, actual physical harm, sexual assault, holding someone against their will, coercion through force or threat of force, and harassment are all considered forms of abuse under Missouri law.
What to Do If You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Get the resources you need:
- Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)
- Get help from the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
Create a Domestic Violence Safety Plan
Before anything else, create a personal safety plan. The Missouri Courts website has a personal safety chart to help you identify and evaluate your options and create a personalized plan to reduce your risk of being harmed again by your abuser. Read through it, evaluate it, and customize it to best suit your situation.
Full Order of Protection and Ex Parte Order
Both full orders of protection and ex parte orders of protection are forms of protective orders. While full orders of protection are intended to last for an extended period, generally ordered for 6 months or 12 months, and require that the abuser be entitled to a full hearing, an ex parte order of protection is only intended to last for a short duration until a hearing can take place. An ex parte order of protection is often signed before a full order of protection.
Who Can Get a Full Order of Protection?
The Missouri Adult Abuse Act allows victims of domestic violence or stalking to file for orders of protection. Such persons must be at least seventeen (17) years old, or be emancipated (“on your own,” either from legal emancipation or from marriage). Child orders of protection can be obtained for those under seventeen and not emancipated by a filing parent, so long as the child otherwise meets the eligibility requirements for such an order.
Experienced Domestic Law Attorney
Chris has handled hundreds of domestic law cases including contested full order of protection hearings. He has the experience needed to help you navigate the legal process. Chris has the experience to help those who are seeking a full order of protection. He also has the experience to help those who are defending against a full order of protection as a result of false allegations.
Chris has been awarded both the “Top 40 under 40 Family Lawyers in the State of Missouri” American Society of Legal Advocates award and the “Rising Star” Missouri and Kansas Super Lawyers publication award for his work in family law.
Call Day or Night for an Experienced Family Law Attorney
KC Road Lawyers offers free consultations to individuals who are parties to a full order of protection matter. Call 816-738-5725 or navigate to our contact page to find out how KC Road Lawyers can help you with your family law matter.
