You are scared. You have been threatened or abused. What can you do? Request a Restraining Order from the Family Court in Connecticut.
Here’s an overview:
The person requesting the order of protection (Applicant) must file an Application (found online and at all Clerk’s Offices) along with an Affidavit. The Affidavit must set forth the specific reasons as to why the Applicant needs protection. For example, history of violence, current threats and any other facts showing “immediate and present physical danger to the Applicant.” The circumstances in the Affidavit should not be exaggerated. If they are, the Applicant may lose credibility at a hearing before a judge.
Once filed, the Application and Affidavit will be presented to a judge. The judge may 1) grant the restraining order on a temporary basis pending a court hearing within 14 days; 2) schedule the matter for a hearing within 14 days but not grant the Application on a temporary basis or 3) deny the Application.
If a hearing is scheduled, the Respondent must be served with all the filings and any other orders issued by a judge five days before the hearing date.
At the hearing, the Applicant must show that he or she has been “subjected to a continuous threat of of present physical pain or physical injury by another family member or household member.” If a judge grants the restraining order it can last no longer than six months. However, prior to the expiration of the order the Applicant may request that the order be extended.
In addition to orders designed for the Applicant’s protection, a judge has the authority to enter orders for the protection of the Applicant’s children such as changing custody or limiting visitation.
Effective 2010, a judge may enter orders for the protection of any animal owned by the Applicant.