Apply for a Family Abuse Prevention Act restraining order: next steps
Guidance reviewed 2026-10-11. Check FAPA requirements, use a safe contact address, file the application and follow hearing and service steps.
Start here: Read the eligibility requirements in the current FAPA application instructions; seek an advocate or legal advice if you are unsure or unsafe.
Where and how to proceed: full steps and checklist
1. Is this for me?
People meeting the FAPA age, relationship, qualifying abuse and ongoing-danger requirements. Other protective orders may apply when FAPA does not.
Service area: Oregon or applicable federal route; confirm venue and agency jurisdiction.
2. What should I prepare?
Some documents may be conditional. Ask about alternatives. Checkmarks are temporary and are not saved or sent.
3. Where and how do I submit?
Read the linked publisher instructions to confirm the receiving office, accepted submission method and current forms. This page has not separately verified those details. A county filter does not decide the correct court or filing location.
Timing: Qualifying abuse generally must be within 180 days, excluding specified periods of jail or distance described in the packet, and ongoing imminent danger is required. Contested hearings can be scheduled quickly; use current notices.
4. What will it cost?
Details to confirm with the provider
Fees and fee-waiver eligibility have not been separately verified for this route. Check the current provider instructions. For a court filing, ask the court about its fee-waiver or deferral forms.
5. What happens after I submit?
Details to confirm with the provider
Keep a copy of what you send and its confirmation or receipt. Ask the receiving office how to track it, when to expect a response and how it will request missing information. These follow-up details have not been separately verified for this route.
6. What if something goes wrong?
Details to confirm with the provider
Read any returned filing, correction request or denial notice promptly. Ask the responsible office for the correction, review or appeal instructions and the deadline that applies to your notice. This guide does not verify a route-specific appeal process.
Language, disability and offline help
Ask the receiving office about language assistance, disability accommodations and an alternative to online submission. Available options have not been separately verified for this route.
A restraining order cannot guarantee safety or substitute for permanent custody orders. Public contact fields can reveal information. The publisher quick-escape feature does not erase browsing history. Use a safer device or advocate when appropriate.
Procedure steps, documents and printable checklist
A restraining order cannot guarantee safety or substitute for permanent custody orders. Public contact fields can reveal information. The publisher quick-escape feature does not erase browsing history. Use a safer device or advocate when appropriate.