How do I file an injunction without a lawyer?

Asked by: Miss Stacy Beer  |  Last update: February 8, 2026
Score: 5/5 (20 votes)

Filing an injunction without a lawyer (pro se) involves going to the courthouse, getting the correct forms (often for restraining orders/protection orders), filling them out with clear, factual details of harm, filing with the court clerk (paying fees or seeking waiver), and ensuring the other party is properly served, typically requiring an emergency hearing for immediate relief where you explain the irreparable harm, often involving domestic, harassment, or business issues.

Can I file an injunction without a lawyer?

You don't need a lawyer to file for an injunction against harassment. However, it might help to have one at your hearing to make sure your rights are protected, especially if the respondent has a lawyer.

What evidence do you need for an injunction?

To get an injunction, you need evidence showing irreparable harm that money can't fix, proving you'll likely win the case (likelihood of success), that the harm to you outweighs harm to the other party (balance of hardships), and that it serves the public interest, typically backed by specific facts, dates, and evidence like texts, photos, and witness testimony. 

What are the four factors for injunction?

Although the test for obtaining a TRO or PI may vary slightly across jurisdictions, generally a plaintiff seeking preliminary injunctive relief must satisfy a four-factor test: (1) that he or she is likely to succeed on the merits of his claims; (2) that he or she is likely to suffer irreparable harm without ...

How much does it cost to make an injunction?

There is no fee for obtaining an injunction but there may be associated costs for legal advice.

How To File An Injunction Against A Business? - SecurityFirstCorp.com

31 related questions found

What do you need to prove to get an injunction?

To get an injunction, you need evidence showing irreparable harm that money can't fix, proving you'll likely win the case (likelihood of success), that the harm to you outweighs harm to the other party (balance of hardships), and that it serves the public interest, typically backed by specific facts, dates, and evidence like texts, photos, and witness testimony. 

How powerful is an injunction?

An injunction is extremely powerful, acting as a court order compelling someone to do or stop doing specific acts, often when money isn't enough, preventing irreparable harm in areas like business, property, or personal safety (domestic violence). Its potency comes from severe penalties for violation, including fines or jail time for contempt of court, with even minor infractions requiring immediate reporting and enforcement.
 

On what grounds can an injunction be granted?

Principles Governing Grant of Interim Injunction: Following conditions must be fulfilled before grant of ad interim injunction under Order 39, rules 1& 2 CPC : (1) Prima facie case (2) Balance of convenience (3) Irreparable loss (4) Bona fide conduct of the party seeking injunction.

What are common reasons for injunctions?

Have You Been Harmed by Any of the Following Actions?

  • Breach of contract.
  • Release of confidential information.
  • Violation of non-compete agreement.
  • Client privacy violations.
  • Shareholder or partner dispute.
  • Management malpractice.
  • Trademark violation.

What happens when someone files an injunction?

An injunction or temporary restraining order is an order from the court prohibiting a party from performing or ordering a specified act, either temporarily or permanently.

What are the disadvantages of injunction?

Injunction – Disadvantages

Aside from specific performance, where a court forces a party to fulfill a contractual obligation, it is more difficult to use an injunction to force another party to do something. Also, parties may have only a limited amount of time to petition the court for an injunction.

What is the burden of proof for an injunction?

Proving the Elements

When ruling on injunctions, many courts hold that a plaintiff must allege specific facts demonstrating that they will suffer irreparable injury that is inadequately compensated by monetary damages.

What are common examples of injunctions?

Injunction Examples

  • 1) Infringement Of Intellectual Property. The infringement of intellectual property, even for a day, can be incredibly costly to the owner of the property. ...
  • 2) Theft Of Clients. ...
  • 3) Minority Shareholder Freezeouts. ...
  • 4) Breaches Of Fiduciary Duties. ...
  • 5) Breach of Contract. ...
  • 6) Bankruptcy.

How do I write a request for an injunction?

Write a short and plain statement of the claim. Do not make legal arguments. State as briefly as possible the facts showing that each plaintiff is entitled to the injunction or other relief sought.

What proof do you need to charge someone with harassment?

To file harassment charges, you need detailed records of incidents (dates, times, locations, what happened), supporting evidence like texts/emails/photos/videos, and potentially witness statements or medical records, though you can start by reporting to police or HR even without all evidence, as they help guide you on what's needed for a formal case, which often relies on showing a pattern of behavior rather than just one event. 

What grounds do you need for an injunction?

An injunction may be necessary to preserve or prevent the loss of an asset, protect against personal harm, prevent loss or damage to reputation and safeguard business or personal interests.

What are the grounds for granting an injunction?

Obtaining an injunction involves a complex procedural framework. The initial burden on the applicant is to establish a prima facie case, demonstrating a serious issue to be tried. They must prove that damages alone would be inadequate and that the balance of convenience supports granting the injunction.

When would you use an injunction?

An injunction is an equitable legal remedy that can order a party to do something specific or, more commonly, to refrain from certain actions. Injunctions are typically used to prevent or mitigate harm and are therefore used by the courts as an invaluable tool to ensure justice and equity.

Can an injunction be refused?

The starting point should be to hold the parties to their bargain and the usual remedy would be an injunction. However, the court has discretion to refuse an injunction where hardship would be caused to the defendant and little or no damage would be caused to the claimant employer.

How to prove an injunction?

To get an injunction, you need evidence showing irreparable harm that money can't fix, proving you'll likely win the case (likelihood of success), that the harm to you outweighs harm to the other party (balance of hardships), and that it serves the public interest, typically backed by specific facts, dates, and evidence like texts, photos, and witness testimony. 

What are the three principles of injunction?

While drafting Civil Suits of any kind as well as while seeking certain reliefs even in Writ matters, we often use the three principles of grant of injunction i.e. 'Prima Facie' case, 'Irreparable Injury' and 'Balance of Convenience' to convince the concerned court to either grant an interim injunction during the ...

What is the difference between an injunction and a restraining order?

An injunction is a broad court order to stop or start an action, often used in business or property disputes, while a restraining order (or Injunction for Protection) is a specific type of injunction focused on personal safety, preventing harassment, stalking, or violence, commonly in domestic situations; they are often used interchangeably, but restraining orders are for immediate personal protection (temporary), leading to potentially longer-term injunctions after hearings. A temporary restraining order (TRO) is an emergency, short-term order, while a permanent injunction offers long-term relief. 

What do I need to file an injunction?

File a complaint with the court to request an injunction detailing your need for protection. Gather evidence to support your case of potential irreparable harm. Consult a civil attorney for assistance in navigating the injunction process. Comply with injunction orders to avoid legal penalties.

What is a letter before action injunction?

A letter before claim (sometimes known as a 'letter before action') is a formal letter putting a person on notice that court proceedings may be brought against them. It is a formal legal notice sent by one party to another before initiating court proceedings.

Which court can grant an injunction?

Also, it is a settled law that under Section 151 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 there is no bar on a court of law in granting injunction or supplementary orders in just cases. "An injunction is an equitable remedy; the party, who seeks relief, must come with clean hands".