legal

How to Get a Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order in Ohio

Ohio CPO process explained in survivor-friendly language.

OhioCPO

LEGAL SYSTEM & COURTS

Understanding Protection Orders and the Court Process

Who May Ask the Court for Protection

A person can usually apply to the court for a protection or restraining-type order when they are experiencing threats, control, or violence from a partner, ex-partner, family member, or someone they live with. The exact name of the order and who qualifies can vary by province or territory.

Applications are often made by:

Adults who are experiencing relationship or family harm
Sometimes a parent or guardian on behalf of a child
In some places, a representative (such as a lawyer or advocate) acting with the person’s consent

Availability, names of orders, and eligibility rules differ across Canada. Local legal clinics, duty counsel, or community organizations can explain the options in your province or territory.

From an Ex Parte Hearing to a Full Hearing

In urgent situations, the court may hold an ex parte hearing. This means the person asking for protection appears without the other party being present, usually because of immediate safety concerns or limited time.

Key points about ex parte hearings:

The judge hears only one side at this early stage.
The judge decides whether to make a temporary order based on the information provided.
If a temporary order is granted, it usually lasts only for a short, specific period.

After an ex parte order is made, the court usually schedules a full hearing where both sides have the opportunity to attend and present information.

At the full hearing:

The judge reviews all available information, including any updates about safety.
Both parties may be allowed to provide documents, speak, or have legal representation.
The judge decides whether to continue, change, or end the order, and for how long.

Court staff or duty counsel, where available, can explain what type of hearing is happening and what to expect in that courtroom. You can also ask if there are separate waiting areas or safety measures at the courthouse.

Service and Court Process

Service means that the other party is formally given copies of the court documents, including any temporary orders and the date for the next hearing. This step is important because the court usually needs proof that the other party received the documents.

Common features of the service process include:

Service is often done by someone other than the person asking for protection (for example, a process server, court staff, or police, depending on local rules).
The person applying is usually not required to hand documents directly to the other party.
After service, a form or statement is often filed with the court to prove that service was completed.

Once service is done, the case usually moves through several steps:

First or interim appearance: the judge checks that service was completed and may extend a temporary order.
Full hearing date: both sides can attend and share information, if they choose.
Order and follow-up: the judge makes a decision, and written copies of the order are prepared and provided to the parties. In some cases, enforcement agencies are also notified.

If you have safety concerns about the other party learning your address or contact details, ask court staff or duty counsel whether there are options to keep certain information private in your documents.

Relief the Court May Grant

The “relief” in a protection-type case refers to what the court may order to increase safety or set clear rules. The exact options depend on the province or territory and the type of order.

Examples of relief that may be available include:

Ordering the other party not to contact or communicate with the person seeking protection, directly or indirectly
Setting distance limits, such as staying away from the person’s home, work, school, or other important locations
Exclusive possession or temporary use of a shared home or certain property, in some situations
Conditions about firearms and weapons, according to local and federal laws
Temporary arrangements related to children’s time with each party, where the law allows
Additional conditions tailored to reduce risk or clarify boundaries

Orders often last for a set period, and there may be options to ask the court to change, extend, or end an order if circumstances change.

The court decides what relief to grant based on the law and the information provided. Support workers and legal clinics can sometimes help people understand which parts of an order may be most important for their situation.

Additional support options across Canada, including safety planning and information about local services, can be found through resources listed at DV.Support.