By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed January 16, 2024
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Domestic violence is a serious problem across the country. Alabama courts address domestic violence by providing victims with a legal way to prevent further abuse. Although a protection order is, in a literal sense, nothing but a piece of paper, it provides the protected person the ability to have a record within the law enforcement officers, alerting responding officers of the order. This can then lead to arrests and civil and/or criminal contempt, or other criminal charges for the violation.
This article provides a brief overview of protective order laws in the state of Alabama.
The table below details the main aspects of Alabama protection order laws.
| Code Sections | Title 13a, Chapter 6, Section 640 et seq. of the Alabama Code |
| Activity Addressed by Protection Order | The court can include any of the following provisions, as needed, in a protection order:
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| Who Can Apply for an Order? | An adult for themselves or for another person who is prevented by physical or mental incapacities or on behalf of minor children |
| Who's Protected by the Order? | The order protects the victim and their minor children |
| Duration of Order | Any final protection order is of permanent duration unless otherwise specified or modified by a subsequent court order |
| Penalty for a Violation of Order |
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| Can Fees Be Waived? | No court costs and fees shall be assessed for the filing and service of a petition for a protection order, for the issuance or registration of a protection order, or for the issuance of a witness subpoena under this chapter. Costs and fees may be assessed against the defendant at the discretion of the court |
| Order Transmission to Law Enforcement | A copy of the protection order is issued to law enforcement officials with jurisdiction to enforce the order or agreement; Also, a protection order is effective even if the victim moves to a new state because all states will enforce valid protection orders from any other state |
Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
If your spouse, partner, or lover is hurting you, please reach out to the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-650-6522 for help. If you've been abused and need a protection order, contact an Alabama domestic violence attorney for help when you're ready.
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