Restraining Orders

Your safety is important. Need a restraining order?

A restraining order (sometimes referred to as a protective order) is a court order that prohibits someone from abusing, threatening, harassing, communicating, or contacting you in any manner throughout the duration of the order.

The relationship you have with the person you are seeking protection against will determine which court you must file the restraining order in.

Family Court

Spouse/former spouse
Person you share child(ren) with
Relative by blood or marriage
Juvenile involved

District Court

Roommate or co-habitant
Person with whom you have shared a "substantial dating relationship" within the last year

Note: Judges and magistrates look to the type of relationship, duration of relationship, and frequency of contact to determine whether the dating relationship is in fact “substantial”

Superior Court

Landlord
Neighbor
Friend
Stranger
Anyone else

Reasons to obtain a restraining order in all three courts are similar, and include fear of imminent bodily injury, involuntary sexual relations, harassment, and/or stalking.

Harassment is defined as continuous contact that is intended to seriously alarm, annoy, or bother without lawful or legitimate purpose and that any reasonable person would suffer substantial emotional distress or fear of imminent bodily injury because of these unwanted contacts. Stalking is defined as willfully, maliciously, and repeatedly following another person with the intent to cause him or her substantial emotional distress or fear of imminent bodily injury.

If you need assistance with a legal matter involving a Rhode Island Restraining Order, you need a dedicated and experienced attorney who is there for you and can help you navigate the process - and we're here for you.

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