An OFP is court order that protects a victim of domestic abuse by prohibiting the abuser from having contact with the victim. Violation of an OFP by an alleged abuser can result in criminal charges. A legal custodian can also file an OFP on behalf of their minor children to protect them from the abuser. Once someone files for an OFP, a judge may grant an Emergency Order for Protection that remains in place until a formal hearing with evidence and witnesses occurs. Every step of the procedure happens very quickly due to the potential risk to the alleged victims.
An HRO is a court order that protects a victim from abuse (when the individual does not meet the definition of domestic abuse under Minnesota law) by prohibiting the abuser from contacting the victim. Unlike an OFP, the abuser and victim do not need to have a sexual, romantic, or family relationship. Like an OFP, violation of an HRO by an alleged abuser can result in criminal charges, and a legal custodian can file one of behalf of their children. The same court process applies to both types of protective orders.
Petitioning for and defending against OFP’s and HRO’s is stressful and can be overwhelming. The consequences of these orders in family law cases can impact a person long after the cases in family court are closed. You need to make sure it’s done correctly the first time; Tressler Law can help you.
If you're considering divorce, you need to know what's at stake. Call 763-398-3330 or email Tressler Law today.