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Protective Order Attorneys in Oklahoma

When you need protection, every moment matters. Our Oklahoma attorneys act fast to file or defend protective orders with urgency, care, and unwavering commitment to your safety.

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Immediate Help for Protective and Restraining Orders in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, there are two primary types of protective orders: emergency ex parte orders and permanent protective orders. An emergency ex parte order provides immediate, short-term protection when the court determines urgent action is needed, often without prior notice to the other party.

A permanent protective order is issued after a full hearing where both sides can be heard and may remain in place for months or even years. These orders can restrict contact, communication, or proximity between individuals, and violations carry serious legal consequences.

Because protective orders involve complex legal procedures and deeply personal circumstances, it’s essential to have an experienced Oklahoma protective order attorney guiding you through the process. At Ball Morse Lowe, our attorneys handle both emergency and permanent protective orders with decisive action and care.

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The Protective Order Process in Oklahoma

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Reach out to our team to schedule your free consultation. Once you’ve determined if we’re a fit and you’ve retained Ball Morse Lowe as your divorce attorney, you’ll immediately be referred to your new legal team to get started. 

Filing the Petition 

The process begins when a person (the petitioner) files a petition for a protective order in the district court of their county or where the incident occurred. The petition explains why protection is being sought , such as domestic abuse, stalking, harassment, or threats of harm. 

Judge Review and Possible Emergency (Ex Parte) Order 

Once the petition is filed, a judge reviews it to determine whether immediate protection is necessary. If so, the judge may issue an emergency ex parte order, which takes effect right away and remains active until a full court hearing can be held. However, not all protective order cases begin with an emergency order; in some instances, the court schedules a full hearing without issuing an ex parte order first.

Service of Process 

Law enforcement serves the protective order documents to the defendant (the person the order is filed against), officially notifying them of the petition and any scheduled hearing. Proper service is required before the case can proceed. 

Full Hearing 

At the hearing, both parties have the opportunity to appear before a judge, present testimony, and offer supporting evidence. The judge then decides whether to issue a permanent protective order, deny the request, or modify the ex parte order if one exists. Having an experienced protective order attorney is critical, your attorney can help you prepare, organize evidence, and advocate effectively for your safety and rights. 

Issuance of Permanent Protective Order 

If the judge grants a permanent protective order, it may remain in effect for up to five years and can include restrictions on contact, communication, or proximity. Violating a protective order carries serious legal consequences, including potential arrest. 

Oklahoma’s Commonly Asked Protective Order Questions

Do I need an attorney for a protective order in Oklahoma?  You are not required to have an attorney to file or respond to a protective order but having one can make a significant difference. The process can be emotional and complex, and even small mistakes can affect the outcome. Our protective order attorneys in Oklahoma City help ensure filings are accurate, deadlines are met, and your rights are fully protected during hearings.  
What’s the difference between a protective order and a restraining order?  In Oklahoma, a protective order is issued by the court to protect someone from domestic violence, harassment, stalking, or threats of harm. It’s often used in family or intimate partner situations. A restraining order, on the other hand, is typically part of a civil or family law case and is used to prevent certain actions, like disposing of property or contacting the other party. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, our protective and restraining order lawyers in OKC can help you determine which applies to your situation.
How long does the protective order process take?  The protective order process in Oklahoma usually begins with an emergency ex parte order, which can be granted the same day a petition is filed. A full hearing is typically scheduled within 14 days to determine whether a permanent protective order should be issued. The total time can vary depending on the court’s schedule, whether hearings are continued, and the complexity of the case.
How long does a protective order last in Oklahoma?  A protective order in Oklahoma can be a permanent order (also known as a final and continuous order) or can have an expiration date, depending on the court’s decision and the circumstances of the case. Some orders may be renewed or extended if the court believes continued protection is necessary. Our restraining order attorneys can help you understand your options for renewal, modification, or dismissal if circumstances change.
Does a protective order go on your record?  Yes, in most cases, a protective order becomes part of the public court record and can appear in background checks. However, the specifics depend on the outcome of your case and whether the order is granted, dismissed, or later expunged. If you’re concerned about the impact on your record, our protective order attorneys in OKC can explain your legal options and help you pursue expungement when possible.
How much does a protective order cost?  The cost of filing a protective order in Oklahoma can vary depending on your situation. While some seeking protective orders may qualify for fee waivers, others may be responsible for court filing or service fees. Our protective order lawyers in Oklahoma City are committed to clear communication about costs and options, helping you make informed decisions about your safety and legal protection.
Where does Ball Morse Lowe provide Protective Order services?  Our Family Law team serves 32 of Oklahoma’s 77 counties. Although our office locations are primarily in central Oklahoma – Oklahoma City, Norman, Edmond, and Stillwater.  
  
We can accept Protective Order cases filed in the following counties:  Beckham County, Blaine County, Bryan County, Caddo County, Canadian County, Carter County, Cleveland County, Comanche County, Custer County, Garfield County, Garvin County, Grady County, Kay County, Kingfisher County, Jackson County, Lincoln County, Logan County, Love County, Marshall County, McClain County, Murray County, Noble County, Okfuskee County, Oklahoma County, Pawnee County, Payne County, Pontotoc County, Pottawatomie County, Roger Mills County, Seminole County, Stephens County, Washita County