A Guide to Illinois Protection Orders

 Posted on February 19, 2026 in Domestic Violence / Orders of Protection

When safety concerns arise, individuals in Illinois have the legal right to seek orders of protection. A protective order is a legal document meant to help protect you from harassment or harm. There are four main types of protective orders in Illinois. Depending on your situation, you can seek an Order of Protection, Civil No Contact Order, Stalking No Contact Order, or a Firearms Restraining Order.

You need to go to court and file a petition to obtain a protective order. An experienced DuPage County, IL family law attorney can help you understand which type of order best suits your situation and navigate the steps involved.

A protective order alone does not guarantee safety, and in some cases, an abuser might react violently to a protective order. If you or your child is at immediate risk of harm, call 911 and take refuge in a shelter or at the home of someone you trust. You know your situation best, so take whatever legal steps seem necessary to you to protect yourself.

Illinois Protective Orders Available in 2026

Order of Protection

This type of protective order is specifically designed for cases involving domestic abuse where there is a known relationship between the victim and the abuser. It offers legal protection to those facing harassment or abuse within family, spousal, or dating relationships. To obtain an Order of Protection, you can seek help from domestic violence programs, involve an attorney for civil court filing, request it during divorce proceedings, initiate it within criminal prosecutions, or personally file for one through your local circuit court clerk's office.

Civil No Contact Order

A Civil No Contact Order can protect victims and their family or household members from an abuser’s non-consensual sexual conduct against themselves or a minor under their custody. Unlike an Order of Protection, a specific relationship with the abuser is not required to obtain this order. It includes provisions such as 'stay-away' and 'no-contact,' with judges having the authority to impose additional safeguards as needed. You can file for a Civil No Contact Order in the circuit court of the county where you live, where the abuser lives, or where the incidents occurred.

Stalking No Contact Order (SNCO)

Stalking No Contact Orders (SNCO) are meant to prevent stalkers from following, threatening, communicating with, or coming near the victim, their workplace, or their property. Victims of stalking or those acting on behalf of a minor, elderly, or disabled adult victim can request this type of protective order. You can file an SNCO with the circuit clerk at the courthouse in the county where you live, where the abuser lives, or where the stalking events took place.

Firearms Restraining Order (FRO)

Family members can request a Firearms Restraining Order (FRO) through a formal legal process. An FRO can be obtained in situations where family or household members have concerns about a person's potential for harm to themselves or others. Law enforcement can also petition the court to impose an FRO against somebody. FROs act as a preventive measure against potential gun violence by temporarily restricting an individual's access to firearms, ammunition, and firearm parts.

What to Expect at a Hearing for a Protective Order

A protective order case in Illinois usually leads to a court hearing. This includes hearings for an order of protection, a stalking no contact order (SNCO), a civil no contact order, and a firearm restraining order. Sometimes a judge can enter an emergency order first. That can happen the same day you file. Even then, the court will set a later date for a longer order. That later hearing matters a great deal.

You should plan to arrive at least 20 to 30 minutes before your hearing time. Courts have security lines. Parking can take time. If you are late, the judge may call your case without you. If you are the petitioner and you are not there when your case is called, it may be dismissed.

At the hearing, both sides may speak. The petitioner usually goes first. You may need to tell the judge what happened and why you need protection. The respondent then has a chance to respond. Each side may show evidence and bring witnesses. The judge may ask questions. Stay calm, answer clearly, and focus on facts.

These hearings can move fast. Bring copies of anything you plan to show. Keep your papers in order. When you work with an attorney, they can help you present your story clearly and effectively. Protective orders can affect where a person lives, whether they can contact someone, and, in some cases, their access to firearms. Illinois has specific rules for orders of protection under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act. A court will apply those rules to the facts it hears.

What Evidence Do You Need to Obtain an Order of Protection?

For an order of protection, the court focuses on whether the abuse occurred. Your evidence should help show what happened, when it happened, and how it affected you. Some of the proof may include text messages, emails, call logs, voicemails, or social media messages. Documentation of your injuries as well as photos of damaged property can also strengthen your case. Finally, police reports can also be useful if law enforcement responded.

Witness testimony can also be valuable to your case. A friend, neighbor, relative, coworker, or teacher might have seen injuries, heard threats, or witnessed a confrontation. Even if a witness did not see the abuse, they may still be able to confirm changes in your behavior or fear afterward. You can also bring a written timeline of events to clear up any ambiguities.

When asked, be ready to describe the events in order. Stick to plain details and avoid guessing. If you do not remember something, say so. Judges hear many cases. Clear facts help them make decisions.

Is a Protective Order a Criminal Charge?

A protective order is not the same thing as a criminal charge. It is a civil court order. That means it is a legal tool meant to prevent harm and set boundaries. A person can have a protective order entered against him or her even if no criminal case is filed.

However, violating a protective order can lead to serious trouble. If someone disobeys the order, the court can enforce it. Law enforcement may arrest the person for the violation, depending on the situation. A violation can also lead to contempt of court, which may include fines or jail time. In other words, the order itself is civil, but breaking it can create criminal consequences.

Contact a DuPage County, IL Family Law Attorney

Victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, and harassment have legal options to fight back and prevent future incidents. You must understand that you are never alone. For help regarding the filing of a protective order or the need to defend yourself against false accusations, hire a Naperville, IL order of protection lawyer. Give yourself peace of mind and schedule an appointment with Calabrese Associates, P.C. by calling 630-393-3111 right away.