Restraining Order Lawyer in Hartford, CT

Legal Protection & Defense in Sensitive Family Law Matters

At the Law Firm of Kevin Emerson, Attorney Emerson helps individuals in Hartford, West Hartford, and surrounding Connecticut communities navigate the serious and often urgent legal issues surrounding restraining orders. 

Whether you need protection from threats or abuse or have been wrongfully accused and are facing a restraining order, Attorney Emerson offers clear guidance, vigorous advocacy, and over 30 years of family law experience.

Discuss your needs with our Hartford restraining order attorney in a phone, in-person, or virtual consultation. Call our office at (860) 750-9686 orcontact the firm online. 

Understanding Restraining Orders in Connecticut

In Connecticut family law, a restraining orderis a civil court order issued to protect an individual from: 

They are issued against a family or household member. These orders are often sought in situations involving domestic violence or family conflict and are entirely separate from criminal charges or criminal protective orders.

A restraining order can be requested if the petitioner and the respondent are (or were) married, related by blood or marriage, currently or formerly living together, or share a child. The order is designed to prevent further harm and create a safer environment for the petitioner and any children involved.

What Can a Restraining Order Include?

A restraining order may impose a wide range of restrictions, depending on the facts of the case. 

These may include:

• Prohibiting the respondent (the alleged abuser) from contacting or threatening the petitioner (the person seeking protection)
• Ordering the respondent to stay away from the petitioner’s home, work, or school
• Granting temporary custody of children to the petitioner
• Prohibiting the respondent from entering or possessing a firearm
• Any other conditions the court deems necessary for the petitioner’s safety

In urgent cases, the court may issue a temporary restraining order the same day the application is filed without the respondent being present. A full hearing is then held within 14 days to determine if the order should be made permanent, which can last up to a year. During the hearing, both parties can present evidence and testimony.

What Happens If the Order Is Violated?

Violating a restraining order is serious and can result in criminal charges. In Connecticut, it is considered a criminal offense to disobey any term of a valid restraining order. Penalties may include arrest, fines, and jail time. Violations can also affect related legal matters, such as divorce or custody proceedings.

Those subject to a restraining order must understand and fully comply with its terms, even if they disagree with the accusations or believe the order was unfairly granted.

How a Hartford Restraining Order Attorney Can Help

Whether seeking a restraining order or contesting one, having knowledgeable legal representation is critical. Attorney Emerson has decades of experience handling these sensitive matters with professionalism and care.

If you are in immediate danger or experiencing abuse, he can help you quickly file the necessary paperwork, gather supporting evidence, and prepare for the court hearing. If you have been named in a restraining order and believe the allegations are false or exaggerated, Attorney Emerson can build a strong defense to protect your rights and help prevent long-term consequences.