How a Restraining Order Lawyer Can Help Make It Stop
Harassment, Intimidation, and Unwanted Contact
Not every situation that needs a legal remedy involves physical violence. Unwanted contact, repeated harassment, or someone interfering with your daily life can be just as disruptive. Angela can help you determine whether a civil restraining order is the right remedy, and just what it takes to enforce it.
What a Civil Restraining Order Covers
Civil restraining orders address harmful behavior that may not involve physical violence but still creates instability or fear. This can include harassment, repeated unwanted contact, intimidation, or ongoing interference with your daily life.
How This Differs From an Order of Protection
Order of Protection
- For threats, harassment, or abuse
- Involves a spouse, ex-spouse, or someone you live with
- Address risk to your physical safety
Civil Restraining Order
- For unwanted contact, intimidation, or interference, without violence
- Doesn’t require a domestic relationship
- Addresses disruption to your peace of mind and daily life
The real question isn’t whether you need a restraining order. It’s which type of protection fits your situation. That’s where Angela can provide clarity and understanding.
Angela’s Approach as Your Lawyer for Restraining Orders
Every case starts with what’s happening right now. The pattern of contact or harassment you’re dealing with shapes the legal approach, whether that’s repeated messages, unwanted contact, or ongoing interference with your daily life.
Angela then gathers the key facts and documentation needed to ask the court for the right relief. Even in urgent situations, preparation matters because clear, focused filings move more effectively.
What Helps Angela Build Your Case
The clearer picture Angela has of what’s been happening, the better she can prepare your case.
Helpful information includes:
- Messages, emails, voicemails, social media posts showing the pattern of contact
- A timeline of incidents, including dates, what happened, who was involved
- Names of any witnesses
- Any prior documentation (police reports, prior complaints, etc., if applicable)
Don’t have documents or messages? That’s okay. Your testimony may still be enough to support your case. If someone threatened or harmed you in person, Angela can help you determine what evidence is available and how to present your story to the court
Angela’s Cost & Timeline
Most cases begin with a retainer, which we’ll discuss during your consultation. Angela’s office bills in 6-minute increments, so you only pay for the time spent working on your matter. While invoices are generally sent every two weeks, urgent cases may require more frequent billing when significant work is completed in a short period of time.
From your first consultation, Angela will explain the billing process, answer your questions, and make sure you understand what to expect moving forward.
Restraining Order FAQs
What's the difference between a restraining order and an order of protection?
An order of protection is used when there’s a threat to your safety, often involving a spouse, ex-spouse, or someone you live with. It can include claims of abuse or threats of physical harm. A civil restraining order addresses harmful behavior (like harassment or repeated unwanted contact) that may not involve violence but is still disrupting your safety or peace of mind.
Does a restraining order need to involve physical contact or violence?
No. A civil restraining order can apply to a pattern of harassment, intimidation, or unwanted contact, even without physical violence.
How long does a civil restraining order last?
The length of a restraining order depends on the type of order issued and the circumstances of the case. Angela can explain what to expect based on your situation.
What happens if the other person violates it?
A violation can be reported to law enforcement and may lead to criminal charges. If someone violates an order, document what happened and speak with Angela about your options for enforcing the order.
Are restraining orders public record?
Court records are generally subject to public-access rules, but the specific circumstances and type of proceeding can affect what information is available.
Schedule your confidential consultation
If something’s happening to you and your family, Angela will talk through all of your options. Request a confidential consultation to get started.