Disclaimer: This article provides general legal information about orders of protection in Missouri and is not legal advice. Every situation is different. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. To discuss your specific circumstances, please schedule a consultation with Hunsinger Law Group, LLC.
Orders of Protection in Missouri
An order of protection is a court order designed to protect a person from abuse, stalking, harassment, or threats. In Missouri, these orders are governed by the Adult Abuse Act (Chapter 455, RSMo). Hunsinger Law Group, LLC represents both people seeking protection and people defending against a petition, in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, and the surrounding Missouri courts. Orders of protection frequently arise alongside divorce and family law matters involving custody and parenting time.
Who Can Seek an Order of Protection?
Missouri law recognizes two main categories:
- Adult Abuse / Domestic: Available to a family or household member, a spouse or former spouse, someone you have a child with, or a current or former dating partner.
- Adult Abuse / Stalking: Available to any person who has been the victim of stalking or sexual assault, even where there is no family or dating relationship.
There are also Child Orders of Protection available on behalf of a minor.
Ex Parte vs. Full Orders of Protection
The process generally has two stages:
- Ex Parte Order: A temporary order a judge can issue the same day, based only on the petitioner’s sworn petition, without the respondent present. It stays in effect until the full hearing.
- Full Order of Protection: Issued after a hearing where both sides can present evidence and testimony. A full order in Missouri can last from 180 days up to one year, and may be renewed.
What an Order of Protection Can Do
- Prohibit further abuse, threats, stalking, or harassment
- Order the respondent to stay away from your home, work, or school
- Order the respondent to move out of a shared residence
- Address temporary custody, visitation, and child support
- Restrict contact by phone, text, email, or social media
Seeking an Order of Protection
If you need protection, we help you prepare a clear, well-documented petition, gather supporting evidence such as messages and photographs, and present your case effectively at the hearing. Preparation matters: a full order is only granted if you prove your case by a preponderance of the evidence. If you are ready to move forward, you can schedule a consultation with our team.
Defending Against an Order of Protection
A protection order can have serious, lasting consequences, including removal from your home, loss of contact with your children, effects on firearm rights, and a record that can surface in employment and custody matters. If a petition has been filed against you, we help you respond, gather evidence, cross-examine, and present a defense at the full hearing. Do not ignore the ex parte order or the hearing date.
St. Louis Area Courts
Petitions are typically filed in the circuit court of the county where the petitioner or respondent lives, including the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County (Clayton), St. Charles County, Jefferson County, and Franklin County.
Talk to a St. Louis Orders of Protection Attorney
Whether you are seeking protection or defending against a petition, the hearing often happens quickly and the outcome can affect your family for years. Contact Hunsinger Law Group, LLC to schedule a consultation.