Once the Respondent has been served, a court can order a Plenary OP against them.
If the Respondent does not appear at the return date, then the Petitioner is awarded a Plenary OP by default.
The Respondent can respond to the Order of Protection by filing a motion with 2 days notice asking for a rehearing on the Emergency Order of Protection, or by going to the next court date and requesting a hearing on the Petition.
Then, the Respondent has a choice:
- Agree to an order (technically this means they are admitting that abuse has occurred),
- Have a hearing, or
- Hire a lawyer.
Part of the Legal Professionals library, sponsored by Quilling, Selander, Lownds, Winslett & Moser.