June 11, 2025
Written by Erb Legal LLC
Category: Divorce|Family Law
330-446-3606When someone in your life is abusive, threatening, or violent, you may feel scared, trapped, and unsure of what to do next. In Ohio, there are legal tools that can help keep you and your family safe. One of the most effective is a Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO)—a court-issued order that tells an abuser to stop contact and stay away from you.
This guide explains what protective orders are, what types exist in Ohio, how long they last, and how you can get one. We’ll also explain how working with an Akron family law attorney can help you through the process.
A domestic violence protective order is a legal document issued by a judge to protect someone from abuse or threats by a family or household member. The person asking for protection is called the petitioner, and the person the order is filed against is the respondent.
Once granted, a DVPO can:
These orders are meant to help stop further harm. Violating a protection order is a crime in Ohio and can result in arrest, fines, or jail time.
In Ohio, domestic violence protection orders are for people who have been abused or threatened by someone close to them. This includes:
If the abuse or threats are coming from someone outside of these relationships, other types of protection orders may apply, such as stalking or sexually oriented offense protection orders.
There are several types of protection orders in Ohio. The kind you apply for depends on your relationship with the abuser, the type of behavior you experienced, and whether a criminal case is involved.
This is the most common type. It applies when the abuser is a family or household member. A DV CPO can last up to five years and can:
This type of order is available if the abuser is someone you’re or were romantically involved with in the past year but never lived with. It offers the same protections as a DV CPO.
You can file for this order if someone is stalking, harassing, or sexually abusing you—even if they’re not a family member or dating partner.
This applies when the person causing harm is under 18. It offers protection for both children and adults against minors who have committed acts of violence or threats.
This is a short-term order issued during a criminal case. If charges are filed against the abuser, the court may grant a DVTPO to provide immediate safety during the case.
A CRPO can be granted in a criminal case even when the abuser is not a family or household member. These are commonly used in cases involving assault, stalking, or sexual violence.
The length of a protection order depends on the type:
If you want to extend a civil protection order, you must file for renewal before it expires. Some courts require new incidents of abuse to extend the order, while others will allow an extension based on continued fear or threats.
You don’t have to go through this alone. A family law attorney can help make the process easier and safer for you. Here’s how it typically works:
You’ll need to fill out a petition for a civil protection order. The forms ask for details about the abuse or threats, including dates, actions, and past incidents. It’s important to be as clear and specific as possible.
Some counties offer online tools to help generate these forms. You can also ask a local domestic violence shelter, advocate, or attorney for help filling them out.
File the forms at the domestic relations court in your county (or where the abuse occurred). The court may have additional paperwork, so it’s a good idea to call ahead or check the court’s website.
Once you file, the court will schedule an ex parte hearing—a same-day emergency hearing without the abuser present.
At this hearing, a judge will read your petition and ask questions to determine whether immediate protection is needed. If the judge agrees, they’ll issue a temporary protective order that takes effect right away.
The court will arrange for the sheriff to deliver the paperwork to the abuser. This is called service. You may also choose certified mail as a backup method to increase the chances of successful delivery.
If the abuser is not properly served, the case could be delayed or dismissed, so it’s important to give accurate contact information.
A full hearing is scheduled about 7 to 10 business days after the ex parte hearing. Both you and the abuser can attend. Each side will present evidence and testimony.
You’ll need to show:
If you’re asking for protection for children or other family members, be ready to explain why they are also at risk.
After hearing the case, the judge will decide whether to grant a long-term civil protection order.
If the abuser breaks the terms of the order—by contacting you, showing up at your home, or committing another act of violence—they can be arrested and charged with a crime.
You can call the police to report the violation. The abuser may face jail time, fines, or probation. You can also ask the court to find the abuser in contempt of court, which could lead to additional penalties.
If you feel unsafe at any point, it’s important to call law enforcement or a local crisis center for immediate help.
While you’re allowed to file for a protection order on your own, working with a family law attorney gives you added protection, guidance, and peace of mind.
An experienced lawyer can:
A lawyer can also help you avoid mistakes—like agreeing to a consent order that may limit your ability to pursue criminal charges or full protection.
No one deserves to live in fear. Whether you’re experiencing physical violence, emotional threats, or constant harassment from someone close to you, Ohio law gives you tools to stay safe and take back control of your life.
If you’re considering filing for a domestic violence protective order in Akron or anywhere in Summit County, Attorney Thomas Erb, Jr., and the Erb Legal team can help you through the process and stand by your side every step of the way.
legal Blog
June 11, 2025
Domestic Violence Protective Orders: Safeguarding Your Family
Category: Divorce|Family Law
