Who is considered to be a family or household member?
In order to qualify to file a petition for a Protection Order you must be able to describe your relationship with the Respondent (person to be restrained) as your family or household member:
- The Respondent is, or used to be, my spouse
- The Respondent and I are dating, or have dated, each other
- The Respondent and I are, or have been, engaged in a sexual relationship
- The Respondent and I have a child in common
- The Respondent and I are related by blood or adoption
- The Respondent and I are related by marriage
- The Respondent is, or used to be: guardian, ward, custodian, foster parent
- I am a minor child of a person in one of the types of relationships listed above.
- The Respondent has committed stalking against me.
- The Respondent has committed a sex offense against me.

If your relationship with the Respondent is not described above, the Court will not grant your petition for a Protection Order.

Show All Answers

1. What is a Protection Order?
2. Who can apply for a Protection Order?
3. What acts are considered to be “domestic or family violence?
4. Who is considered to be a family or household member?
5. Can Protection Orders for victims of stalking and sexual offenses only be obtained against family or household members?
6. Can I apply for a Protection Order against my neighbor with whom I cannot get along?
7. Where do I need to go to file a Petition for a Protection Order?
8. What if I currently have a divorce, custody, or paternity action pending with a person I want to get a Protection Order against?
9. Where do I get the forms needed to file the Petition?
10. What information will I need in order to fill out the Petition?
11. How long is a Protection Order valid?
12. Is my Protection Order enforceable outside of St. Joseph County?
13. What if I have a Protection Order that was issued in another county or state?
14. Is there a cost for obtaining a Protection Order?
15. Who can I call or see for additional help regarding Protection Orders?