Order for Protection
A court order that protects someone from domestic abuse by restricting the abuser's contact and behavior.
An Order for Protection (OFP) is a civil court order designed to protect victims of domestic abuse in Minnesota. It can order an abuser to stop the abuse, stay away from the victim, leave a shared home, and have no contact with the victim or their children.
Key facts about Orders for Protection in Minnesota:
- Who can get one: You can request an OFP if you have been abused by a spouse, former spouse, someone you live with or have lived with, someone you have a child with, a family member, or someone you are in a significant romantic relationship with.
- No cost to file: There is no filing fee for requesting an OFP.
- Emergency (ex parte) orders: A judge can grant a temporary OFP immediately, without the other person being present, if there is an immediate danger. A full hearing is then scheduled within 14 days.
- What it can include: The order can require the abuser to stay away from your home, workplace, and school; give up firearms; follow temporary custody arrangements; and pay certain expenses.
- Violation is a crime: Violating an OFP is a misdemeanor and can result in arrest.
An OFP is different from a harassment restraining order. OFPs are specifically for domestic abuse situations involving family or household members.
Example: A person experiencing physical abuse from their spouse files a petition for an Order for Protection at the county courthouse. The judge reviews the petition and grants an emergency order the same day, requiring the spouse to leave the home and have no contact with the petitioner. A hearing is scheduled for the following week.
When someone is experiencing domestic abuse from a family or household member and needs the court's help to stay safe.