If you are in immediate danger, please call 911 for help.
Call or text the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7 at 877-863-6338 (877-TO END DV).
In cases of domestic violence, it is important to take steps to protect yourself and your family. In Illinois, people can file a Petition for Emergency Order of Protection to protect a person immediately from an allegedly dangerous person. Illinois Emergency Orders of Protection provide a person the opportunity to separate from their abuser. This puts distance between the existing problem before the court hearing both sides of the allegations.
During the Emergency Order of Protection hearing, the Illinois Family Court typically hears only from the Petitioner or the person seeking the Order. The court must determine whether it believes the allegations presented. The court then decides if there is an emergent need to separate the Petitioner and/or protected parties from the alleged abuser.
If granted, an Emergency Order of Protection can require the Respondent to leave a shared residence, set parenting time and decision-making responsibilities parameters. It is even possible to award temporary pet arrangements.
An Illinois Emergency Order of Protection will generally be in place until a hearing is held for the Plenary Order of Protection. At that time, the court will hear from both the Petitioner and the Respondent regarding the alleged incidents.
Do you need services for representation regarding an Emergency Order of Protection? If so, please contact our Swansea, Illinois office to schedule a consultation.