How to Get a Protection Order in Colorado
Step-by-step information on Colorado civil protection orders in domestic violence situations.
Civil Protection Orders for Relationship Abuse in Colorado
What a Civil Protection Order Is
A civil protection order in Colorado is a court order that can place rules and limits on another person’s contact with you. It is sometimes called a “restraining order.” It is a civil (non-criminal) process, separate from any criminal charges that may exist.
The order can set boundaries such as no contact, staying away from your home or workplace, and following certain rules about children or shared property. The goal is to reduce the risk of further harm or harassment.
Who Can Request a Civil Protection Order
Colorado law allows people in different types of situations to ask the court for a civil protection order. This can include:
- People experiencing physical, emotional, or sexual abuse in an intimate or family relationship
- People who have been threatened, stalked, or harassed
- People who have experienced abuse by a current or former partner, spouse, or dating partner
- People who have experienced abuse or threats from a family or household member
- People facing stalking, sexual assault, or unlawful sexual behaviour by someone they may or may not know well
In some situations, a parent or legal guardian can request an order on behalf of a child.
Where to File and Who Can Help With Forms
Civil protection orders are typically requested at the court that serves your area in Colorado. This is often a county court or district court. Court clerks can usually tell you:
- Which court you should file in
- What forms are needed
- When hearings are scheduled
Common sources of help with forms and the process can include:
- Local domestic violence or relationship-abuse advocacy programs
- Legal aid organizations and community legal clinics
- Self-help or “pro se” centers within Colorado courthouses
- Some community centres, newcomer settlement agencies, and cultural organizations
Overview of the Process
1. Applying for a Temporary (Emergency) Civil Protection Order
The process often starts with an application for a temporary civil protection order. Common steps may include:
- Completing court forms that describe the relationship, recent incidents, and why you are asking for protection
- Submitting the forms to the court, often at the clerk’s office
- Seeing a judge the same day or soon after, either in person or sometimes by video/phone, depending on the court
If the judge believes there is an immediate risk, they may issue a temporary civil protection order that lasts until a full hearing can be held.
2. Serving the Other Person
For the protection order to become enforceable against the other person, they usually must be formally “served” with the paperwork. In many Colorado courts, service may be done by:
- The sheriff’s office or other authorized law enforcement
- A professional process server
- In some cases, another qualified adult who is not part of the case, if allowed by the court
Court staff or a local advocate can often explain local rules about service and any fees or fee waivers that may apply.
3. The Full Hearing (Permanent or Longer-Term Order)
A follow-up court date is usually scheduled soon after the temporary order is granted. At this hearing, the judge decides whether to:
- End the temporary order
- Extend temporary protections for a longer period
- Issue a longer-term or “permanent” civil protection order (which can sometimes last for years, subject to Colorado law)
4. Possible Extensions or Changes Later
Depending on Colorado law and the terms of your order, you may later be able to ask the court to:
- Extend or renew an existing order
- Modify specific conditions (for example, contact rules or child-related terms)
- End the order earlier than originally set
Types of Protection and Conditions You Can Ask For
When you request a civil protection order in Colorado, the forms often allow you to ask for different types of protection. Options can vary by court, but may include:
No-Contact and Stay-Away Conditions
- No direct contact in person, by phone, text, email, or social media
- No indirect contact through other people, except for clearly defined reasons (such as lawyers or supervised communication about children)
- Staying away from your home, workplace, school, or other named locations
Move-Out Orders
- Requiring the other person to move out of a shared home, at least temporarily
- Setting rules around retrieving personal belongings, often with law-enforcement presence or other safety measures
Child-Related Provisions
- Temporary decision-making responsibility or parenting time arrangements
- Requirements for supervised parenting time or safe exchange locations
- Limits on taking children out of a certain area without permission or a court order
Other Possible Terms
- Restrictions on firearms or weapons, as allowed by Colorado and federal law
- Protecting pets from threats or harm
- Requiring the other person not to interfere with your work, education, or services you rely on
What Happens at the Hearing
At the full hearing, both you and the other person typically have a chance to speak to the judge. Common features of a Colorado protection-order hearing can include:
- The judge reviewing the original application and temporary order
- You briefly explaining what has happened and why continued protection is needed
- The other person having a chance to respond or present their side
- Both sides being allowed to bring documents, witnesses, or other information, within court rules
At the end of the hearing, the judge usually states a decision and, if an order is granted, explains how long it will last and what conditions apply.
Preparing for the Hearing
Some people find it helpful to prepare in advance by:
- Reviewing their application and notes to remember key dates and events
- Gathering any documents, photos, messages, or recordings that the court rules allow
- Asking witnesses, if any, whether they are able and willing to attend
- Arriving early to locate the correct courtroom and speak with any advocate or legal helper
- Planning for safety before, during, and after the hearing, especially if they may see the other person at court
After a Civil Protection Order Is Granted
If the court grants a civil protection order, some next steps you may consider include:
- Keeping copies of the order in safe and accessible places (for example, at home, work, and with a trusted support person)
- Providing a copy to children’s schools or childcare providers, if the order involves children
- Asking local police how they handle enforcement of civil protection orders in your area
- Reviewing the order carefully so you understand any limits on your own contact with the other person
If the other person does not follow the order, you may be able to contact law enforcement or the court. Responses can vary by location and situation.
Finding Local Legal and Support Resources
Procedures for civil protection orders in Colorado can change over time, and some courts have local rules. It is important to confirm current requirements and timelines with:
- A Colorado legal aid office or legal clinic
- A private lawyer familiar with protection orders and family law
- A domestic violence or relationship-abuse advocate in your region
- The self-help or information desk in your local courthouse
Additional support options across Canada and the United States, including links to crisis and legal information services, can be found through resources listed at https://www.dv.support. While those services may not all be Colorado-specific, some can help you locate local legal or advocacy support.