You Can Get Protected
Today. Here's How.

What Is an Order of Protection?

An Order of Protection is a court order that legally requires another person to stop abusing, harassing, stalking, or contacting you. Violating an order of protection is a criminal offense in Missouri — the person can be arrested on the spot.

Missouri has two types of protective orders under RSMo Chapter 455:

Who Can File for a Missouri Order of Protection?

You can file if you have experienced domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault from someone you have a qualifying relationship with. Under RSMo § 455.010, qualifying relationships include:

• Current or former spouse
• Current or former dating partner
• Someone you have a child with
• A family member or household member (living together or formerly living together)
• Anyone who has stalked or sexually assaulted you — regardless of relationship

How to File for an Emergency Order of Protection Today

• Go to Your County's Associate Circuit Court

  Go during business hours (typically 8am–5pm Monday–Friday). Tell the clerk you need to file a Petition for Order of Protection. They are required to help you. You do not need an appointment. There is no filing fee.

  If you cannot safely leave your home, call the Missouri DV Hotline at 1-800-680-0250 — they can help coordinate safe transportation and legal advocacy.

• Fill Out the Petition for Order of Protection

  The clerk will give you the form. You will describe: what happened, when it happened, where it happened, and why you are afraid. Write clearly and specifically — dates, locations, what was said or done. The more specific you are, the stronger your petition.

  You do not need to use legal language. Write it the way you would tell a trusted friend what happened. The judge reads these every day — plain English is fine.

  ✓ What to Write

  Include specific incidents with dates. Include any threats — even if nothing physical happened yet. Include any weapons in the home. Include any history of prior abuse. The judge is looking for a pattern, not just one incident.

• See the Judge — Often the Same Day

  After you file, the clerk takes your petition to a judge. In most Missouri counties, the judge reviews it the same day. If the judge finds you are in immediate danger, they sign the Ex Parte Order of Protection immediately. You do not have to face the abuser in court at this stage — they are not notified yet.

• The Order Gets Served on the Abuser

  Once the judge signs the ex parte order, it must be formally served on the person you are protecting yourself from. In Missouri, law enforcement serves domestic violence orders — the Sheriff's office handles this at no cost to you. You do not have to deliver it yourself. You do not have to have any contact with them.

  The Order Is Not Active Until Served

  The order of protection does not legally bind the other person until they have been officially served. Law enforcement will prioritize serving domestic violence orders — but until it happens, the order cannot be enforced. Make sure you have a safety plan in place while you wait for service to be completed.

• Attend the Full Hearing — Within 15 Days

  The court will schedule a full hearing within 15 days. Both you and the other person will appear before the judge. This is your opportunity to present evidence — photos, texts, voicemails, medical records, police reports, witness names. The judge will decide whether to issue a Full Order of Protection for up to one year.

  You can bring an advocate from a local domestic violence organization to sit with you at the hearing. You do not have to face this alone.

• Keep Certified Copies of Your Order

  Get multiple certified copies from the clerk. Keep one with you at all times. Give one to your workplace, your children's school, and any trusted person who might need to call 911 on your behalf. Register your order with local law enforcement so they can verify it instantly if called.

What to Bring to the Courthouse

You do not need any of this to file — but bringing documentation strengthens your petition.

• Your photo ID (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
• The abuser's full name, date of birth, and address if you know it
• Description of the abuser — height, weight, vehicle, distinguishing features
• Photos of any injuries — even if old or healed
• Screenshots of threatening texts, emails, or social media messages
• Any police reports filed about prior incidents
• Medical records showing treatment for injuries
• Names of witnesses to any incidents
• Prior orders of protection (expired or active)
• Documentation of property damage
• Voicemail recordings of threats

Missouri Order of Protection Forms

All forms are free. Links go directly to official Missouri court sources. The courthouse clerk will also have printed copies available.

• Petition for Order of Protection (Adult)

  The main form you file at the courthouse. Describes the abuse and requests emergency protection.

  Official Form →

• Ex Parte Order of Protection

  The emergency temporary order signed by the judge the same day. Issued by the court — you do not fill this out.

  Court Issues This →

• Full Order of Protection

  Issued after the full hearing. Provides protection for up to one year and is renewable.

  Court Issues This →

• Petition for Order of Protection (Minor)

  For parents filing on behalf of a minor child. Filed by a parent or legal guardian.

  Official Form →

• Motion to Modify or Extend Order of Protection

  To extend your order before it expires or modify its terms. File before the expiration date.

  Official Form →

What Your Order of Protection Can Do

A Missouri Order of Protection can do more than most people realize. Depending on what you request and what the judge orders, it can:

• Prohibit the abuser from contacting you in any way — phone, text, email, social media, through third parties
• Remove the abuser from a shared residence — even if they own or lease it
• Award you temporary custody of your children
• Prohibit the abuser from coming near your home, workplace, children's school, or anywhere you regularly go
• Prohibit the abuser from possessing firearms
• Order the abuser to pay temporary support
• Order the abuser to attend counseling

Safety Planning

A safety plan is a personalized guide for staying safe — before you leave, while you're leaving, and after. The National DV Hotline (1-800-799-7233) can help you create one specific to your situation. Here are the basics:

Missouri County Resources

Every Missouri county has courthouse access, law enforcement, and local shelter resources. Key St. Louis area resources are listed below. For any Missouri county, call the Missouri DV Hotline at 1-800-680-0250 — they know every local resource statewide.

Crisis Hotlines & Resources

Every number below is free, confidential, and available right now. You do not have to be ready to leave to call. You can call just to talk.