Under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, people can file for an order of protection to keep an accused domestic abuser away from them.

People protected under the act include:

  • Those who have been abused by a family member or household member
  • Any high-risk adult with disabilities who has been abused, neglected or exploited by a family member or household member
  • A minor child or dependent adult in an abused person’s care
  • A person staying at or working in a private home or public shelter that’s housing an abused family or household member

So what happens to you if someone uses the Illinois Domestic Violence Act’s provisions to obtain an order of protection against you?

What an Order of Protection May ProhibitWhat Happens When Someone Gets an Order of Protection Against You

Every case is different, so if someone has gotten an order of protection against you, it’s best to talk to a domestic violence defense lawyer in Chicago about your situation.

A judge can choose what belongs in an order of protection, including:

  • Ordering you to stay away from the person who filed for the order, as well as away from locations that person frequents
  • Requiring you to appear in court or to bring a child to court
  • Temporarily taking away your children
  • Barring you from accessing your child’s records
  • Requiring you to turn over personal property
  • Requiring you to pay support for minor children who live with the person who filed the petition or to pay for losses suffered from abuse, including sheltering costs or counseling service fees
  • Requiring you to turn any of the weapons you own to law enforcement
  • Requiring you to attend counseling
  • Prohibiting you from threatening or abusing the petitioner

What to Do if Someone Gets an Order of Protection Against You

If someone petitions a judge for an order of protection against you, it’s probably a good idea to get in touch with a lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer will be able to help you understand what the order entails and represent you if you must appear in court. Your attorney will be there to protect your rights every step of the way.