Kansas Protection Order

A Kansas protection order is a legal tool designed to help individuals experiencing domestic violence, stalking, harassment, sexual assault, or other threats obtain court-ordered protections from an abuser or harasser.

Eligibility Overview

You may be eligible for a protection order if you are a victim of abuse or threats from a family member, household member, intimate partner, or someone you have a close relationship with. This includes situations involving physical harm, emotional abuse, stalking, harassment, or sexual assault. Kansas law protects victims regardless of marital status or whether the abuser lives in the same home.

Filing Steps

1. Obtain the appropriate Protection From Abuse (PFA) forms from your local courthouse or online through the Kansas Judicial Branch website.
2. Complete the forms with details about the abuse, the abuser, and any incidents that justify protection.
3. File the completed forms with the district court clerk in the county where you live or where the abuse occurred.
4. The court will review your petition and may issue a temporary protection order immediately, even without the abuser present.
5. Attend all scheduled hearings to provide your testimony and evidence supporting your request for a final protection order.

Temporary Protections

Once your petition is filed, the court may issue a temporary protection order (TPO) that provides immediate safety measures. These may include forbidding the abuser from contacting you, requiring them to leave the shared residence, and prohibiting weapons possession. The TPO is typically short-term and remains in effect until the final hearing.

Final Hearings

During the final hearing, both you and the abuser will have the opportunity to present evidence and testimony before the judge. The judge will consider all information to decide whether to issue a long-term protection order, which may last up to one year and can include custody or visitation arrangements if children are involved.

Enforcement Notes

Protection orders issued by Kansas courts are legally enforceable across the state. If the abuser violates any terms—such as contacting you or coming near you—contact local law enforcement immediately. It is important to keep a copy of the protection order on hand and share it with police and relevant organizations to ensure swift enforcement.

For additional guidance and support navigating the Kansas protection order process, visit dv.support.