File a Restraining Order in Connecticut – Step-by-Step Guide

Are you facing abuse? You can file a restraining order in Connecticut fast. This clear guide explains the required forms, the simple court process, and the hearing steps to protect you. You will learn where to file, what evidence to bring, and how to get protection and peace of mind.

When to Seek a Restraining Order in CT

If someone is hurting you, threatening you, or making you feel unsafe in Connecticut, it may be time to ask the court for a restraining order. This is a paper from a judge that tells the other person to stay away from you and stop the bad behavior.

You do not need to wait until something terrible happens. If you feel scared at home, at work, or at school because of another person, you can take steps to protect yourself. A restraining order can help you feel safe again.

Clear Signs You Should Act

Many people are not sure when to call for help. Here are common signs that show it is time to seek a restraining order in CT:

• Someone hits, pushes, or hurts you on purpose.
• A person keeps sending mean messages or calls you all the time.
• An ex-partner will not leave you alone after you said stop.
• Someone threatens to harm you, your kids, or your pets.

When these things happen, write down the date and what was said or done. This notes help the judge see the truth.

If you fear for your safety today, do not wait to file for a restraining order in Connecticut.

Connecticut law lets you ask for a protective order if the person is a family member, someone you dated, or a roommate. If the person is a stranger, you may need a different order, but the court can still help.

Look at the table below to see quick examples of when to seek help:

If you see your case in the “Yes” row, talk to the clerk at your local court. Bring your notes and ask for the forms to start your restraining order in CT.

Required Forms for CT Restraining Orders

If you want to file a restraining order in Connecticut, you need to use the right forms. The court will not move forward without them, so getting this step right saves you time and stress.

The main form is the Application for Relief from Abuse (JD-FM-137). You also need a short form that lists what help you are asking for. Bring a photo ID and any papers about past abuse or threats.

Forms You Need to Start

Here is a simple list of the papers most people file for a Connecticut restraining order:

• JD-FM-137 – Application for Relief from Abuse
• JD-FM-138 – Order of Relief from Abuse (short order form)
• JD-FM-139 – Notice of Rights (given to the other person)
• Any police reports or messages that show the abuse

You can get these forms free at the courthouse or print them from the Connecticut Judicial Branch website. Fill them out clearly and sign where it says to.

Bring your forms early in the day so the judge has time to read them.

The table below shows where each form is used:

If you make a mistake on a form, ask the clerk for help. A clean form helps your case move faster and keeps you safer.

Filing at a Connecticut Courthouse

If you need to stay safe from someone who hurts or scares you, filing a restraining order at a Connecticut courthouse is a clear step. You go to the clerk’s office, ask for the right forms, and fill them out by hand or on a computer at the court. The judge can give you a temporary order the same day if they think you are in danger.

Bring a photo ID and any proof you have, like texts, photos, or a police report. Connecticut has courthouses in every county, and most are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. If you are not sure which courthouse to visit, call the court info line or check the state website before you go.

What to Bring and Do at the Courthouse

When you arrive, tell the clerk you want to file a restraining order. They will give you a packet with forms. Take your time and write what happened in simple words. A judge or clerk may read your forms the same morning.

Bring proof of threats or harm to help the judge act fast.

Here is a short list of what helps at the courthouse:

• Your photo ID
• Names and addresses of you and the other person
• Dates and facts about what happened
• Any messages, photos, or reports

After you file, the court sets a hearing in about two weeks. The other person must get a copy. Until then, the temporary order can keep them away from your home, job, or school.

Costs are usually low or free if you are a victim of abuse. The table below shows common steps and time:

If you feel nervous, ask a court advocate to sit with you. They are free and know the process well.

Serving the Order to the Respondent

After a judge signs your restraining order in Connecticut, the paper must be given to the person you filed against. This step is called serving the order, and it lets the respondent know the rules they must follow. If the order is not served the right way, the court may not be able to punish the person for breaking it.

In Connecticut, a state marshal or a proper officer usually hands the order to the respondent. You cannot serve the order yourself, and a friend or family member cannot do it for you either. The marshal will give the papers in person and then file proof with the court so your case stays strong.

What Happens During Service

The marshal finds the respondent and gives them a copy of the signed order. The person gets clear notice about where they can go, who they can talk to, and what they must avoid. After delivery, the marshal fills out a return of service form for the court.

Here is a simple list of who can serve and what they do:

• State Marshal: Serves papers in person and files proof.
• Proper Officer: Helps when marshal is not available.
• You: Not allowed to serve your own order.

Service must happen before the order takes full effect against the respondent. Keep a copy of the marshal’s return for your records.

The order is not enforceable until the respondent is properly served.

If the marshal cannot find the person, the court may allow alternate service like mail or posting. Ask the clerk about the next step so you do not lose protection.

What to Expect at the CT Hearing

When you go to a restraining order hearing in Connecticut, a judge will listen to both sides before deciding if the order should be given. The person asking for the order and the person it is against can both speak and show proof like texts or photos.

The hearing is usually short, but it helps to know the steps so you feel ready. Bring your papers, arrive early, and speak clearly when it is your turn to talk to the judge.

Steps During the Connecticut Hearing

The judge will first check that the right people are in the room and review the request. Then each side gets a chance to tell their story and answer questions from the judge.

Here is a simple list of what often happens:

• Judge reads the application for the restraining order.
• You share your side and any evidence you brought.
• The other person responds with their view.
• Judge asks questions to clear up facts.
• Judge makes a decision and explains the order.

If the judge agrees, a temporary order may become final for up to one year. You will get a paper that says what the other person must or must not do.

A Connecticut judge looks at safety first when deciding on a restraining order.

Many people worry about facing the other person. You can ask a friend or advocate to sit with you for support, and the court staff can explain where to stand.

After the hearing, keep your copy of the order safe and call the police if it is broken. Following these simple steps makes the CT hearing easier to handle.

Enforcing Your Connecticut Restraining Order

Once a Connecticut restraining order is issued, it is enforceable by law enforcement throughout the state. If the restrained person violates any of its terms, you should immediately contact your local police department or State Police to report the violation.

Violations can result in criminal charges, including arrest and potential jail time for the offender. Keep a copy of your order with you at all times and document any incidents to support enforcement actions.

Additional Resources

For more information and assistance, refer to the following official sources:

• Connecticut Judicial Branch
• State of Connecticut Official Website
• National Coalition Against Domestic Violence