Restraining Orders

A restraining order is a court order that prohibits contact and/or certain behavior directed to the person needing protection. Restraining orders are different from bail or bond conditions, probation rules, or a 72-hour no contact as condition of arrest order. The following is information on how to obtain different types of Temporary Restraining Orders (TRO) that are effective until a court official grants more long term protection called an Injunction. You do NOT need an attorney--Wisconsin law allows you to seek a restraining order without an attorney's help. Many people feel more comfortable hiring an attorney, especially if there are concurrent criminal or family law cases that stem from the abuse.

Civil, Juvenile and Probate Court hear requests for restraining orders. The court in which a restraining order is filed depends on whether the abuser (defendant) is a minor or an adult. The different types of Restraining Orders are as follows:

1. 1. Child Abuse (Adult Defendant/Respondent)
   2. Domestic Abuse
   3. Harassment (Adult Defendant/Respondent)
   4. Individual At Risk (Vulnerable Adult) to be filed in Probate Court Office. 
   5. Juvenile Restraining Orders (Minor Respondent under 18) to be filed in Juvenile Court Office.