It may take 2 to 3 days to get a protective order. If you are in danger now, call 911.
Learn More: What a Protective Order Can Do?
Step 1 - Fill out the Paperwork
Forms to Fill Out:
- Forms Kit - This kit has all four forms listed below. (PFD-Fillable)
- Form 1 - Request for a Protection Order - JDF 402 (PDF).
- Wait to sign this form until you are before the clerk when you file.
- Form 2 - Party Information Sheet - JDF 442 (PDF).
- Form 3 - Affidavit Regarding Children - JDF 404 (PDF).
- Only fill out this form if:
- A child (under 19 years old) is one of the protected parties. OR
- You want temporary care of a child as part of the protective order.
- Only fill out this form if:
- Form 4 (optional) - Incident Checklist -JDF 401 (PDF-Fillable).
- You are not required to file this form. This form will help you prepare for the hearings.
- If you do file this form, it will become a part of the Court's Record. It will be seen by the restrained party.
Make Copies:
- Make a copy of each form you fill out for your records.
- Also, make a copy for each Respondent.
Learn More:
Step 2 - Deliver the Paperwork to the Court
Where do I File?
- In the County Court either where:
- You live,
- The events took place, OR
- The Respondent lives.
- Find the Court's address using the court finder.
How Much is the Filing Fee?
- There is an initial filing fee is $97.
- The fee is waived for cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
- Fee Waiver - Fill out a Motion to Waive the Fees - JDF 205. Complete just the case caption of a Proposed Order - JDF 206.
Step 3 - Attend the Temporary Protective Order Hearing
What is This Hearing?
- You will go to court and explain why you want a protective order.
- To qualify, the Judge needs to find that you are in imminent danger.
- The Order will only last until a more formal hearing can occur.
- The Respondent will not be at this hearing.
When will this Happen?
- The hearing will occur the same day, or within a few days, from when you file.
- Hearings are usually scheduled by the clerk when you file the paperwork.
How do I Prepare for the Hearing?
- Outline the events that led you to request a protective order. The Incident Checklist - JDF 401 may help you get organized to tell your story.
Step 4 - Formally Give the Paperwork to the Respondent
- Form: Affidavit of Service - JDF 98 (PDF-Fillable).
- Learn More: How to Serve the Respondent Formally.
Step 5 - Attend the Permanent Protective Order Hearing
What is This Hearing?
- The Court will decide if the Protective Order should become permanent.
- The Court will grant your request if the Court finds:
- The Respondent did the things you say they did. AND
- The Respondent will continue to do those things. OR
- The Respondent will intimidate or retaliate against you.
- Learn More: How to Prepare for the Hearing.
- Learn More: The Decision.
Step 6 - Enforce the Protective Order
Copies:
- Keep a copy of the Protective Order with you at all times.
- Deliver certified copies to key people or places.
- Key people are those that will need to follow the order.
- Examples include your work or daycare center.
Police Assistance:
- Call the police for every violation of the Protective Order.
- Keep a detailed log of all violations and print out any emails or texts.
- A violation of the Protective Order is a criminal offense.
Learn More: Renters Rights and Protective Orders
Law
This list is to help you start your legal research, but is not a comprehensive list of the laws that may affect your case.
Definitions of Terms Used in the Statutes
Colorado Revised Statute (C.R.S.) § 13-14-101
Emergency Protective Orders
Colorado Revised Statute (C.R.S.) § 13-14-103
Procedure and Qualifications for a Temporary Protective Order
Colorado Revised Statute (C.R.S.) § 13-14-104.5
What a Protective Order Can Do
Colorado Revised Statute (C.R.S.) § 13-14-105
Procedure and Qualifications for a Permanent Protective Order
Colorado Revised Statute (C.R.S.) § 13-14-106
Duties of the Police in Enforcement
Colorado Revised Statute (C.R.S.) § 13-14-107
Changing or Ending a Protective Order
Colorado Revised Statute (C.R.S.) § 13-14-108
Renter's Rights and Protective Orders
Colorado Revised Statute (C.R.S.) § 38-12-402
Prohibition on Guns
Colorado Revised Statute (C.R.S.) § 13-14-105.5
Look up a Case or Search Case Law
Below the search bar, make sure to select the "case law" button.
Getting Help With a Protection Order
Find a Protection Order class or clinic in the Legal Aid & Clinics section. Look at the calendar tool to find Protection Order events happening near you soon. You may also find help to understand the process at a nearby court self-help center in the Sherlock section.