Response by Respondent Lawyer Manual

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.