A restraining order is a court order that can protect individuals from abuse or harassment from another person.
Someone who has been abused is eligible to get a restraining order against the following people:
- Current or former spouse;
- Related by blood, marriage, or adoption;
- Living together now or in the past, in a sexually intimate relationship;
- Had a sexually intimate relationship in the past two years;
- Unmarried parents of a minor child; or
- A minor who has been involved in a sexually intimate relationship with the respondent who is 18 or older
You can file a restraining order in the county you live in or in the county the respondent lives in. To request a restraining order in Washington County, go to the Restraining Order Room, 150 N First Avenue, 1st Floor, Center for Victim Services, Hillsboro. Volunteers are available from 9:00-12:00 am and from 1:00-3:00 pm on weekdays. Restraining orders completed by 11:30 will be reviewed by a judge that day. Restraining orders completed later will be reviewed on the following business day. It is important to bring one piece of identification and an address where the respondent can be found. Call (503) 846-3830 for information.
Once a restraining order is filed and granted by an Oregon State Court, the respondent has a right to request a hearing within 30 days of being served the paperwork to challenge the restraining order. If the respondent does request a hearing, one will normally be set within 21 days. The timeline on a restraining order is very quick and if one decides to get a lawyer, they should consult with one as soon as possible.
Filing for a restraining order is a very serious matter as one will be making a sworn declaration to the court. Should the court grant the restraining order, a violation of the restraning order could result in jail and/or a fine. Also, there may be further court hearings as the respondent has the opportunity to challenge the order. Either party in the restraining order is allowed to retain an attorney to help assist in the process.