What will happen if I file a civil action ask for an ex parte domestic violence protective order on my Complaint and Motion for Domestic Violence Protective Order?
Your complaint and motion requesting an ex parte protective order will be heard in domestic violence court. This hearing will take place without your abuser being present. Based on your testimony and evidence, the court may issue an ex parte domestic violence protective order. ( The legal term ex parte indicates that the court order was issued without the opposing party being present in court to present his or her side of the story.) At this hearing, you should testify in detail to the acts of domestic violence alleged in your complaint. Remember that the domestic violence statute does not limit the incidents of domestic violence to any particular time period. You may testify to past and current acts of domestic violence. You should also testify in detail to the fear you experienced and to the injuries you received. If the court issues an ex parte domestic violence protective order, the court must schedule a return hearing on a date within 10 days of the issuance of the ex parte order
