How to Get a Protective Order in Utah
Utah Protective Order process explained clearly for survivors.
Basics of Getting a Civil Protection Order
Who May Be Able to Apply
In many parts of Canada, a person may apply for a civil protection order if they:
- Are experiencing violence, threats, or controlling behaviour from a partner, ex-partner, or family member
- Live with, or previously lived with, the other person
- Share children with the other person
- Are being stalked or harassed in a way that makes them fear for their safety
Some provinces and territories allow certain support people (for example, a guardian or someone with written authority) to apply on behalf of a child or an adult who cannot apply on their own.
From Temporary Order to Hearing
1. Applying for an Emergency or Temporary Order
There is often a way to ask for a temporary or emergency protection order on short notice if there is an immediate safety concern. In some places, this can be done by:
- Filling out court forms and filing them at a courthouse
- Speaking to a judge by phone in urgent situations (through police or a designated worker)
- Attending a brief hearing without the other person present, in limited circumstances
The judge decides whether to grant temporary rules to help increase safety until a full hearing can be held.
2. Serving the Other Person (Service)
If a temporary order is made, it usually must be “served” (formally given) to the other person so they know the conditions and the date of the next court hearing. Depending on local rules, service may be done by:
- Police
- A professional process server
- Another adult who is not part of the case
Courts may have specific instructions about how proof of service must be given back to the court.
3. The Follow-Up Court Hearing
After service, a hearing date is set. At that hearing, the judge may:
- Hear from both people (and sometimes from witnesses or through written documents)
- Review any police reports, text messages, photos, or other evidence that has been filed
- Decide whether to make a longer-term order, change the temporary order, or end it
If the other person does not come to court after being properly served, the judge may still be able to make a decision. Court rules on this are different in each region.
Possible Court Protections
Depending on local laws and your situation, a protection order may include conditions such as:
- No contact with you (by phone, text, social media, or through others, except as allowed)
- Staying away from your home, work, school, or other specific places
- Only having contact about parenting through safe methods or third parties
- Rules about how children are picked up and dropped off, if parenting time is allowed
- Not possessing firearms or certain weapons, and turning them in if required
- Not following or watching you in person or online
Additional support options across Canada can be found through resources listed at DV.Support.
How Long a Protection Order May Last
Length of protection orders varies widely across Canada. Some common patterns include:
- Emergency or interim orders that last only until the next court date (sometimes days or weeks)
- Short-term orders that last for a set period, such as 6–12 months
- Orders that can be renewed before they expire, if safety concerns continue
- Occasionally, orders that last until changed by the court, especially in serious or ongoing situations