Can someone file a restraining order without you knowing?

Asked by: Kayla Quitzon  |  Last update: October 25, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (75 votes)

If the judge or referee believes you have adequately established the elements of a restraining order (more on that below), it can issue a temporary restraining order. If the order is issued without notifying the other person, it's called an ex parte order.

Can you file a restraining order on someone without them knowing?

Unfortunately no. A petition for an order of protection must be served on the other party to give them a chance to contest it. Then, if it's granted, the order must be served on the other party to put them on legal notice to stay away.

How long does a restraining order last in NH?

If the judge decides that there was abuse and that there is also a credible threat to the plaintiff's safety, a final order of protection will be granted and will last for up to one year.

How do restraining orders work in Louisiana?

After the hearing, a judge can issue a protective order that lasts up to 18 months, and can later be renewed after a hearing in front of a judge. The parts of the protective order that tell the abuser to not abuse, harass, or interfere with you can last forever.

Do you get notified if someone files a restraining order?

The harasser must be personally served with a copy of your petition and the temporary restraining order, if there is one, as well as notice of the hearing where the judge will decide whether or not to grant you a final civil harassment order.

TRUTH About RESTRAINING ORDERS that will SAVE YOUR LIFE

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How to find out if someone has been served a restraining order?

Go to the local district courthouse where the restraining order would have likely been filed. You can use your brother's name (he would have been the defendant) to locate his file. If he was served with a restraining order, there will be a file with his name enclosing all documents filed.

What proof do you need for a restraining order in Louisiana?

If you're wondering what proof do you need for a restraining order in Louisiana, several types of evidence can help secure protection. Circumstantial evidence such as witness testimonies, text messages, and physical evidence documenting injuries can all support the case.

What is considered harassment in Louisiana?

(1) "Harassing" means the repeated pattern of verbal communications or nonverbal behavior without invitation which includes but is not limited to making telephone calls, transmitting electronic mail, sending messages via a third party, or sending letters or pictures.

How much does it cost to file a restraining order in Louisiana?

The cost to file a request for restraining order is $211. If you are unable to pay the cost, you may fill out a Motion to Proceed In Forma Pauperis. You can obtain this form from the Civil Division Office in Room 251 or by calling 389-3017.

Can I sue someone for filing a false restraining order?

The victim of the false claim may file a civil lawsuit seeking damages for harm caused by the false allegations. The defendant may be required to compensate the victim for financial losses, emotional distress, and any other damages incurred as a result of the false order.

What to say in court for a restraining order?

I would consider any contact in the future to be a violation.” Tell the court why you would like the temporary restraining order injunction. Examples: “I want this injunction because…” “I fear for my child's safety.” “My child's life is in danger, I am afraid he or she will be hurt…”

What are 3 actions that are considered harassment?

Offensive conduct may include, but is not limited to, offensive jokes, slurs, epithets or name calling, physical assaults or threats, intimidation, ridicule or mockery, insults or put-downs, offensive objects or pictures, and interference with work performance.

How do you prove you are harassed?

Prove workplace sexual harassment by documenting each incident with dates, times, locations, and detailed descriptions. Include relevant conversations, witness testimonies, and physical evidence like emails or voicemails. Report the harassment to your employer promptly and state that the behavior is unwelcome.

How do I file a harassment complaint in Louisiana?

Filing a Complaint with LCHR
  1. Telephone: (225)342-6969.
  2. By Mail: Office of the Governor. Louisiana Commission on Human Rights. P.O. Box 94094. Baton Rouge, LA 70804.
  3. In Person: 1001 N. 23rd Street. Baton Rouge, LA 70802.
  4. Online: Click here.

How much evidence is needed to charge someone with harassment?

Testimonies from the accuser and witnesses are often considered the most reliable and impactful evidence. Audio or video recordings and photographs can also be used to provide evidence in a harassment case. Forensic evidence, such as emails and text messages, can be used if available.

What makes a behavior qualify as harassment?

Harassment becomes unlawful where enduring the offensive conduct becomes a condition of continued employment or the conduct is sufficiently severe or pervasive to create a work environment that a reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile, or abusive.

What happens when you file a police report for harassment?

Evidence will be reviewed by whomever is assigned to do so. Further investigation may be necessary. Once the evidence is reviewed, a decision will be made to file charges against the accused or find that there is not enough evidence to pursue charges.

What things count as harassment?

Online stalking or harassment
  • monitoring someone's internet use, email or other electronic communication.
  • cyber flashing.
  • getting access to someone's email and social media accounts.
  • spamming and sending viruses.
  • stealing someone's identity.
  • threatening to share private information, photographs, copies of messages.

What words scare human resources?

Words like "harassment," "discrimination," and "lawsuit" are heavily loaded with legal implications, which can put HR on high alert. By using descriptive, neutral language, you can convey your concerns without triggering a defensive reaction.

What behaviors are not considered harassment?

What is Not workplace harassment? Legitimate and reasonable management actions such as actions taken to transfer demote, and discipline an employee provided these actions are conducted in a reasonable way are not considered workplace harassment.

What is an example of a restraining order?

Examples may include demolishing personal items in a home, damaging automobiles, or other undesired behavior/actions in a family law case. In a restraining order, you may be ordered to do the following: Not contact the protected person through calls, text, or e-mail.

How common are false restraining orders?

It can also include the mere threat of violence—if a person is accused of threatening to commit physical abuse or harassment, he or she may be slapped with a restraining order. As such, an estimated 70 percent of all restraining orders are thought to be trivial or false.

What to do when someone makes false accusations against you?

How to Defend Yourself Against False Accusations
  1. Stay Calm. ...
  2. Hire an Attorney to Help You Fight Back. ...
  3. Gather Evidence. ...
  4. Challenge the Accuser's Credibility. ...
  5. Find Your Own Witnesses and Present Evidence of Your Side of the Story. ...
  6. Develop a Strategy in Criminal Defense Cases.

What is an example of civil harassment?

In general, civil harassment is abuse, threats of abuse, stalking, sexual assault, or serious harassment by someone you have not dated and do NOT have a close relationship with, like a neighbor, a roommate, or a friend (that you have never dated).

How to prove someone is harassing you?

Evidence Needed to Prove Harassment in Court

Documentation – emails, text messages, or other documents that show the harassing behavior. Medical records – records that show any physical or emotional harm caused by the harassment.