Arlington Heights Orders of Protection Attorney

Family Law Attorney in Arlington Heights, Illinois Helping Clients Obtain Orders of Protection

At the Law Office of George M. Sanders, P.C., our dedicated family law attorneys are committed to helping residents of Arlington Heights with domestic violence cases. Physical abuse, or the threat of violence, is never acceptable. When that violence comes from a family member or someone else in your home, it can be difficult to know what options are available to you. In particular, if your spouse or partner is the abuser, you may be in fear for yourself and your children if you take legal action.

Illinois law recognizes the dangers of domestic violence and provides protection to victims under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986 (750 ILCS 60/). Under the Act, any person who is a victim of domestic violence can file a petition for an order of protection. In Arlington Heights, orders of protection can prohibit the abuser from engaging in certain behaviors, and these court orders can also require the abuser to take certain steps to remedy the harm caused. An experienced Arlington Heights orders of protection attorney can speak with you today about your case.

Seeking an Order of Protection in Arlington Heights?

To obtain an order of protection, the petition must seek the order against a family member or household member. The Illinois Domestic Violence Act defines a family or household member as any of the following:

• Spouse;
• Ex-spouse;
• Significant other (or anyone with whom you have been in a dating relationship);
• Ex-significant other;
• Parent or stepparent;
• Child;
• Stepchild;
• Anyone with whom you have (or allegedly have) a child in common;
• Anyone with whom you share a blood relationship through a child;
• Person you live with in the same household;
• Person you previously lived with in the same household; and
• A person with disabilities and their personal assistant(s).

If you need help filing a petition for an order of protection, an Arlington Heights domestic violence attorney can assist you.

Different Types of Orders of Protection in Arlington Heights

There are several different kinds of protective orders, including:

• Emergency order of protection: this is a court order that takes effect against the abuser immediately due to the potential risk of harm to the victim, but it does not require the alleged abuser to know about the hearing for the order. As such, it is called an “ex parte” order. Since the alleged abuser is not informed of the hearing for an emergency order, it typically lasts for only two to three weeks until the court can hear a case for a lengthier order.
• Plenary order of protection: this is the lengthier order that can be issued only once a court hears from the alleged victim and abuser. Although the alleged abuser must be informed of the hearing, a plenary order of protection can be issued even if the abuser does not show up in court. These typically last for up to two years.
• Interim order of protection: when an alleged abuser has been served with notice of the petition for an order of protection, an interim order of protection can be issued to protect the victim. This type of order typically can last for up to 30 days.

An Arlington Heights Domestic Violence Attorney Can Help

If you have been the victim of domestic violence and need help filing a petition for an order of protection in Illinois, a dedicated Arlington Heights orders of protection lawyer can provide support. To learn more about the services we provide to families throughout the Chicago area, contact the Law Office of George M. Sanders, P.C. to discuss your case.