Indiana Protection Order Lawyers
Legal Protection When Safety, Family, or Reputation Is at Risk.
Custom Law helps people seek civil protection after abuse, stalking, harassment, threats, or violence and defends respondents against unsupported allegations. We explain the difference between protective orders and criminal no-contact orders and prepare clients for court.
Protective Orders Under Indiana Law
Indiana generally uses the terms order of protection or protective order rather than restraining order. Under Indiana Code §34-6-2-121.6, a protective order is a civil injunction intended to prevent future abuse, stalking, or harassment.
A petition may be filed where the petitioner or respondent lives. A related criminal charge is not required. Eligible petitioners may include people physically injured or placed in fear of harm by a family or household member, co-parent, current or former partner, or—in stalking and certain sex-crime cases—an acquaintance or stranger.
Possible Protections
- No direct or indirect contact, threats, abuse, or harassment
- Protection for household members
- Removal from a shared residence
- Firearm surrender
- Child-support provisions or limited contact for parenting exchanges
A parent or guardian must file for a person under 18.
Filing, Evidence, Duration, and Defense
A petition must explain the events and establish physical harm or fear of physical harm. Supporting evidence may include medical records, emails, text messages, voicemail, photographs, and eyewitness testimony.
The respondent receives notice and has a right to attend the hearing and defend against the allegations. Defense may include the respondent’s account, contradicting records, witness evidence, and proof of an ulterior motive connected to custody or another dispute.
The source states that an order ordinarily lasts two years unless the judge chooses a shorter duration. It may be renewed once; if danger continues after the renewed period, a new petition is required.
Workplace Violence
Under Indiana Code §34-26-6, an employer may seek protection for an employee who experienced workplace violence or a credible threat reasonably understood as intended to occur at work.
Protective Orders and No-Contact Orders Are Different
A protective order is requested through a civil petition. A no-contact order arises in a criminal case, commonly at a prosecutor’s request as a condition of release. Some criminal no-contact orders are automatic under Indiana Code §35-33-8-3.6.
A victim may communicate a desire for criminal no-contact restrictions through counsel and the prosecutor, but does not request that order through the same civil process. Because overlapping family and criminal proceedings can affect housing, firearms, employment, custody, and communication with children, each order should be reviewed carefully before any contact occurs.
Whether seeking safety or defending against a false petition, preparation matters. We organize evidence, explain hearing procedure, present the client’s account, and seek terms tailored to the circumstances.
Focused on What Matters Most
What to Expect from Custom Law
Family matters require practical advice, careful preparation, and an understanding of how today’s decisions will affect children, finances, and relationships later. We develop a strategy around your objectives while preparing for negotiation, mediation, or court.
Individual Strategy
Your family, priorities, and risks shape the plan rather than a standard form or one-size-fits-all approach.
Candid Guidance
We explain realistic options, likely tradeoffs, and the information needed to make informed decisions.
Negotiation and Trial Readiness
We seek workable agreements while preparing the evidence and arguments needed when court becomes necessary.
Client Reviews
What Our Clients Say
Going through a divorce was the hardest thing I've done, but they protected me and my kids every step of the way. Compassionate and relentless in the courtroom.
Sarah M.
They took the time to explain everything and never made me feel like just another case number. The outcome exceeded my expectations.
Ashley P.