{"id":373293,"date":"2016-09-13T13:26:07","date_gmt":"2016-09-13T18:26:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/indiana-law\/indiana-temporary-restraining-order-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-05-21T13:59:14","modified_gmt":"2025-05-21T18:59:14","slug":"indiana-temporary-restraining-order-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/indiana-law\/indiana-temporary-restraining-order-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Indiana Temporary Restraining Order Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Indiana Temporary Restraining Order Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Indiana offers temporary restraining orders to protect victims from abusers. These orders can include provisions like no-contact rules, child custody arrangements, and firearm prohibitions.<\/h3>\r\n

When a victim needs help, time is of the essence. Indiana offers temporary restraining orders<\/a> to provide relief from abusers. These court orders use provisions to keep offenders away from victims. Some can address other issues as well. These include awarding shared pets to one party, temporary child custody, prohibition of firearms possession, and much more.<\/p>\r\n

Knowing how to get the protective order you need during a crisis can make a huge difference. This article will examine the restraining orders available in Indiana, explain what they do, and show how to get one as quickly as possible. For a deeper look at the long-term effects of restraining orders, FindLaw’s Indiana Protection Orders Laws article has you covered<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

Indiana Temporary Restraining Order Laws – Types of Orders Available<\/h2>\r\n

It’s understandable if Indiana protective orders seem confusing. Some are called orders of protection. Others are referred to as restraining orders. Victims petition for certain orders. Sometimes, protection is decreed by the court as part of a ruling<\/a>. Let’s look at each order one at a time.<\/p>\r\n

Orders for Protection for Domestic Violence, Stalking, Harassment, or a Sex Offense<\/h3>\r\n

Domestic violence is a specific set of abusive acts that occur between family members and household members. Most states have a dedicated protective order for domestic violence victims, but Indiana’s covers a few different crimes as well. Not sure if the abuse you’re suffering is domestic violence? FindLaw’s article on Indiana Domestic Violence Laws<\/a> can explain everything you need to know.<\/p>\r\n

In addition to domestic violence, this order of protection covers stalking<\/a>, sex offenses<\/a>, and harassment<\/a>. A victim of these crimes doesn’t need to have a close personal relationship required by domestic violence. Their sexual history doesn’t matter. The same form<\/a> is used for anyone eligible.<\/p>\r\n

People suffering abuse or in imminent danger of abuse should call 911. Indiana law enforcement officers receive special training<\/a> for domestic violence and sexual assault calls. If they have good cause to believe that either has occurred, they can arrest the abuser without a warrant.<\/p>\r\n

If you need help filing for this order, it’s a great idea to contact an Indiana domestic violence advocate<\/a> if possible. Their experience makes the process much easier, and you can file through them<\/a>. An Indiana domestic violence attorney<\/a> is also a powerful resource to consider.<\/p>\r\n

When filing yourself, the first step is filling out the required forms. These are available online<\/a>, in the clerk’s office in civil court at a county courthouse, or through the Indiana Protection Order E-filing Service<\/a>. Try to provide as many details as possible about the abuse you suffered. You (petitioner) need to convince the court that your abuser is an immediate and ongoing threat.<\/p>\r\n

The clerk takes your petition to a judge for review. The judge may have additional questions for you. Stick to the truth and try not to exaggerate. If the court agrees that you’re in present danger, an ex parte temporary order for protection<\/a> is issued. Ex parte means the court doesn’t contact the respondent (abuser) before issuance.<\/p>\r\n

Law enforcement will serve a copy of the order to the respondent. Your temporary protective order lasts either 30 days or until a court hearing<\/a>. All orders of protection will include no-contact and stay-away provisions. Depending on the type of order, other conditions are applicable as well<\/a>. These can include:<\/p>\r\n