Understanding Orders of Protection in Orange County Family Court

Orders of protection are court orders designed to protect individuals from threats, harassment, abuse, or violence. In New York, these orders can be issued in both criminal court and family court.

Family Court orders of protection commonly involve:

Spouses

Former spouses

Parents of a shared child

Family members

Individuals in intimate relationships

A judge may issue a temporary order of protection at the beginning of a case, sometimes before the accused party has the opportunity to fully present their side.

These orders may require someone to:

Stay away from another person

Avoid communication

Leave a shared residence

Surrender firearms

Violating an order of protection can lead to criminal contempt charges, fines, arrest, and possible jail time.

Many people mistakenly believe these orders are minor or informal. In reality, they can significantly affect employment, custody arrangements, housing, and personal reputation.

If you are seeking an order of protection or defending against one in Orange County or Rockland County, experienced legal guidance is essential.