An Order of Protection is a court order designed to keep you safe from someone who has committed or threatened domestic violence against you. In Arizona, the process is intentionally fast and accessible — the court understands that people seeking these orders are often in urgent situations.
Order of Protection vs. Injunction Against Harassment
Arizona has two types of protective orders, and which one you need depends on your relationship with the person threatening you.
| Order of Protection | Injunction Against Harassment | |
|---|---|---|
| Relationship required | Must have a domestic relationship: spouse, ex-spouse, romantic partner, co-parent, relative, household member | No relationship required — anyone, including neighbors, coworkers, strangers |
| Basis | An act of domestic violence has occurred or is threatened | A series of acts of harassment (requires a pattern — typically 2+ incidents) |
| Duration | 1 year (renewable) | 1 year (renewable) |
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Can include children? | Yes — can include custody and child support provisions | No |
This guide focuses on Orders of Protection, which are the more common and more powerful of the two.
What Counts as Domestic Violence in Arizona?
Under A.R.S. § 13-3601, domestic violence includes a wide range of acts when committed against a person in a domestic relationship. These include physical assault or threatening physical harm, sexual assault, criminal damage to your property, endangerment, intimidation, stalking, harassment (including via electronic means), trespassing, kidnapping, custodial interference, and unlawful imprisonment.
The act doesn't have to involve physical violence. Threats of violence, stalking, and intimidation all qualify. You also don't need to have filed a police report or pressed criminal charges — the Order of Protection is a civil proceeding, separate from any criminal case.
How to File: Step by Step
Go to the courthouse or file online
In Maricopa County, you can file at the Central Court Building (201 W. Jefferson, Phoenix), any Justice Court in the county, or through the Maricopa County Protective Order Portal online. Many municipal courts also accept filings (Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Scottsdale, etc.). You can file during business hours at any of these locations — no appointment needed.
Fill out the petition
You'll complete a petition describing who you need protection from, your relationship to that person, and what happened — the specific acts of domestic violence or threats. Be as detailed as possible: include dates, locations, and descriptions of each incident. Court staff can help you with the paperwork (the Self-Service Center has staff specifically trained for protective order filings).
See a judge (same day)
After you file, a judge or judicial officer reviews your petition — usually the same day, often within hours. You do not need to see the other party at this stage. If the judge finds reasonable cause to believe domestic violence has occurred or is threatened, they will issue the order immediately.
The order is served on the defendant
The court arranges for the order to be served on the person it's against (the "defendant"). Law enforcement handles service. The order isn't enforceable until the defendant has been served or has actual notice of it. Once served, the defendant can request a hearing to contest the order — they have the right to do so.
Hearing (if requested)
If the defendant requests a hearing, it will be scheduled within 10 days. At the hearing, both sides can present evidence and testimony. The judge will then decide whether to keep the order in place, modify it, or dismiss it. Even if a hearing is requested, the protective order stays in effect until the judge makes a decision.
What an Order of Protection Can Do
An Arizona Order of Protection can prohibit the defendant from contacting you (in person, by phone, text, email, social media, or through third parties), require the defendant to stay a specified distance from you, your home, your workplace, and your children's school, grant you temporary custody of your children, order the defendant to leave a shared residence, require the defendant to turn over firearms to law enforcement, order the defendant to attend domestic violence counseling, and establish temporary child support and spousal maintenance.
What Happens If the Order Is Violated?
Violating an Order of Protection in Arizona is a criminal offense. Under A.R.S. § 13-2810, violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and fines up to $2,500. If the violation involves any form of assault or threat, the defendant can face additional criminal charges. Repeat violations can be charged as felonies.
If the person violates the order, call 911. Do not try to handle it yourself. Give the responding officers a copy of the order (keep copies with you, in your car, and at your workplace). Law enforcement can arrest the person immediately for the violation.
Common Concerns
Will it affect my divorce or custody case?
Yes — and it should. Under A.R.S. § 25-403.03, domestic violence creates a rebuttable presumption against the offending parent having sole or joint legal decision-making authority. An Order of Protection and the underlying facts will be considered by the family court judge in making custody determinations.
What if the other person files one against me?
It happens — and it's sometimes done strategically in custody disputes. If you're served with an Order of Protection that you believe is false or retaliatory, you have the right to request a hearing within 10 days to contest it. Take this seriously and consider hiring an attorney. A protective order against you can significantly affect your custody case.
Can I get an order even if we don't live together?
Yes, as long as you have a qualifying domestic relationship — current or former romantic partners, parents of a common child, and family members all qualify, regardless of whether you currently live together.
Do You Need a Lawyer?
You do not need a lawyer to file an Order of Protection — the process is designed for self-represented people and the court staff will help you. However, there are situations where an attorney is valuable: if you anticipate the defendant will contest the order and you'll need to present evidence at a hearing, if children are involved and you need the order to address custody, if you're also dealing with a divorce or custody case (the protective order should be coordinated with your family law strategy), or if you've been served with an order and need to defend against it.
Need Help with a Protective Order?
Find a family law attorney experienced with domestic violence and protective orders in Arizona.
Find a Family Law AttorneyFrequently Asked Questions
How much does an Order of Protection cost?
Nothing. Filing for an Order of Protection is free in Arizona. There are no filing fees, and you are not required to have an attorney. The service of the order on the defendant is also handled by law enforcement at no cost to you.
How long does an Order of Protection last?
One year from the date it is served on the defendant. Before it expires, you can file a new petition to extend it if you still need protection. There is no limit on how many times an order can be renewed.
Can the order be dropped if I change my mind?
Yes — the person who filed the order (the "plaintiff") can request that the court dismiss it at any time. However, this should be done thoughtfully, especially if the original threat was genuine. Courts will respect your decision but may ask questions to ensure you're not being pressured to drop it.
Does the order show up on a background check?
Orders of Protection are entered into the Arizona Protective Order Registry and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database. They are accessible to law enforcement nationwide. They may appear on certain background checks, particularly for firearms purchases, security clearances, and some professional license applications.