District of Columbia Domestic Violence and Protective Order Resources

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District of Columbia courts can order protection for someone facing violence or credible threats. The order goes by different names in different states, including protective order, order of protection, restraining order, and injunction for protection.

These filings are built to move fast, and clerks are generally set up to help with the paperwork. Filing fees for protection cases are commonly waived. The official District of Columbia documents and self-help resources are below.

If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911 first. Court paperwork comes after safety.

Official District of Columbia protection resources

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District of Columbia family law forms (official index) (District of Columbia judicial branch): The official statewide collection of District of Columbia family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://www.dccourts.gov/services/forms

District of Columbia court self-help resources (District of Columbia courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own District of Columbia family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://www.dccourts.gov/services/family-matters/self-help-center

DC Family Court Central Intake Center (District of Columbia judicial branch): Find the courthouse or clerk that serves your area, with locations and contact details. https://www.dccourts.gov/superior-court/superior-court-divisions/family-court-operations-division/family-court-central-intake-center

District of Columbia state courts website (District of Columbia judicial branch): The official home of the District of Columbia court system, with statewide rules, news, and links to every court. https://www.dccourts.gov

Verified official District of Columbia protection documents

These official documents are the petitions and related paperwork District of Columbia publishes for protection cases.

Petition and Affidavit for Civil Protection Order (Domestic Violence), official document: https://www.dccourts.gov/sites/default/files/2021-07/CPO-Petition-and-Affidavit-For-Civil-Protection-Order.pdf

Official link data for District of Columbia was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.

Frequently asked questions

Does it cost anything to ask for protection?

Protection filings are commonly free, and clerk staff are generally expected to help with the forms. Confirm with your District of Columbia clerk, since the rules are set by state law.

How fast can protection happen?

Courts normally review these filings quickly and can put a temporary order in place before any full hearing. A hearing on a longer order is then scheduled. Ask the clerk how it is handled where you file.