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How to Get a Relief From Abuse Order in Vermont

Step-by-step guide to Vermont Relief From Abuse (RFA) orders.

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Understanding Restraining Orders: Emergency, Temporary, and Final RFAs

Types of Restraining Order Requests (RFA)

Restraining orders are designed to provide protection through the court system. There are different types of requests for restraining orders that serve different stages of the legal process:

Emergency RFA: This is a fast, short-term order issued when immediate protection is needed. It usually lasts only a few days until a hearing can be scheduled.
Temporary RFA: After the emergency order, a temporary order can be requested to extend protection while the case proceeds. This order lasts until the court makes a final decision.
Final RFA: This is the long-term restraining order issued after a court hearing. It can provide protection lasting months or years, depending on the case and the jurisdiction.

Steps to File a Request

Filing an RFA typically involves these general steps:

Complete the required forms, describing why protection is requested.
Submit the forms to the court clerk. Some courts may offer filing assistance or online submission.
If approved for emergency protection, the court issues an immediate order.

Service of the Restraining Order and Hearing

After filing, the person you want protection from must be officially notified of the request and the scheduled hearing. This is called service.

The hearing allows both parties to present information before the judge decides whether to grant a final restraining order.

Types of Relief Available

Restraining orders can provide different kinds of protective relief, such as:

Prohibiting contact or communication
Ordering the respondent to stay away from certain locations
Granting temporary custody or visitation rights
Requiring the surrender of firearms or weapons
Other protections as allowed by law