VIRTUAL COURT - PROTECTION ORDER PROCESS

WARNING:  An abuser can tell what Internet sites you have visited on your computer.  The safest way to find information on the internet is to go to a safer computer. Suggestions are: a local library, a friend's house or your workplace. Other safety suggestions: change your password often, do not pick obvious words or numbers for your password, and pick a combination of letters and numbers for your password.  There are other ways to protect your safety on the Internet.  Learn more at: 

http://www.abanet.org/domviol/internet.html

Welcome to the Virtual Court.  In this segment we will walk with a victim through the step-by-step process of obtaining an ex parte Order of Protection (OP).  While all courts have their unique styles, the process is essentially the same.  Obtaining an Injunction Against Harassment uses basically the same steps as obtaining an OP.

Presiding Judge Elizabeth Finn, Glendale Municipal Court, agreed to be the judge in this model and Ms. Leah Meyers, Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence, agreed to act as the victim/plaintiff.  A fictitious name, Wyatt, was selected to represent the abuser/defendant.

The court process illustrated in this virtual model is the one used at the Phoenix Municipal Court.  The Orders Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and the telephone number is (602) 262-7120.  For information on obtaining an Order of Protection in your area, contact your local Superior, Justice or Municipal court.

You may complete a Petition for an Order of Protection on-line.  This form was created to be accepted in Arizona courts statewide; however some courts may ask that you transfer the information to a multi-part form.  You may want to complete this form to insure you have all of the information the court needs for your petition.

NOTICE:  Getting an Order of Protection takes approximately 30 - 45 minutes.  Please allow enough time to complete the process before the close of the court's business day (5:00 p.m.).