Family & Safety

In Illinois, a petition (noun) A written request to a court (verb) To request from a court for an Order of Protection can be filed by the reporting party A person or business involved in a court case in a role like plaintiff, petitioner, defendant, respondent, or intervenor. (petitioner) A person who makes a written request to a court who is alleging they have experienced domestic violence Harm by one household or family member against another household or family member. Harm may be an emotional, mental, or physical injury from their abuser.

The alleged abuser (respondent) A person who has a petition filed against them is required to be notified of the request for the plenary Order of Protection and given the opportunity to attend a hearing When the parties in a case present their sides of a case to a judge or other officer before a judge decides whether to grant the plenary order. There are also other temporary Orders of Protection that can be granted for shorter periods of time without the respondent being notified ahead of time. It is important that the respondent understand the processes as well as the orders. Violating the orders can result in fines, criminal charges, and/or time in jail. 

Learn more about Responding to an Order of Protection case common questions.