Worried about doing this on your own? You may be able to get free legal help.
Part of the safety and protection library, sponsored by Perkins Coie.
If you live with your abuser, and you obtain an Order of Protection, you can ask for exclusive possession of the shared home. The abuser will have to leave and stay away from the home.
If the abuser has a legal right to be in the home, the judge will need to decide whether it is more difficult for you or the abuser to leave. The judge may ask if:
- You have another place to stay,
- Your abuser has another place to stay,
- Any children live with you,
- Both of you work, and
- Your home is near your workplace or your children's school.
If the judge orders exclusive possession, call the police and ask that they escort you home. Tell the police officer that you have an Order of Protection and need the respondent removed from your home. The police will meet you at your home and tell the abuser they have to leave.
The court can order that you or the abuser be able to go into the house without the police to get clothing, medicine, or other items you need. The judge can also order that property be exchanged at a different location.
If you're a domestic violence survivor, learn more about Safety plans for domestic violence victims.
Legal Comment
Worried about doing this on your own? You may be able to get free legal help.
Part of the safety and protection library, sponsored by Perkins Coie.
Only logged-in users can post comments. Please log in or register if you want to leave a comment. We do our best to reply to each comment. We can't give legal advice in the comments, so if you have a question or need legal help, please go to Get Legal Help.