Free Guide to Colorado Restraining Order Process

Understanding Colorado Restraining Orders and Protection Orders

Colorado law recognizes two main types of court orders designed to protect people from harassment, abuse, stalking, or threats. These are called restraining orders and protection orders, and they work similarly but apply to different situations. A restraining order in Colorado is a civil court order that tells someone to stop certain behavior or stay away from a specific person or place. Protection orders are a specific type of restraining order used in cases involving domestic abuse, dating abuse, stalking, or sexual assault.

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The distinction matters because different situations require different types of orders. If you are experiencing abuse from a current or former intimate partner, a domestic abuse protection order may be available. If someone who is not a romantic partner is stalking or harassing you, a restraining order for stalking or harassment may be what you need. Colorado courts can issue temporary orders very quickly—sometimes the same day you request one—and then hold a full hearing later to decide if a longer-lasting order should be put in place.

These orders are legally binding. If the person named in the order violates it, they can be arrested and charged with a crime. The order can include provisions requiring the person to stay a certain distance away from you, your home, your workplace, or your school. It can also prohibit contact by phone, email, text, or through other people.

According to Colorado court statistics, thousands of protection orders are filed each year across the state. In 2022, Colorado courts processed over 12,000 domestic abuse protection order cases. These numbers show that restraining and protection orders are common legal tools that many people use when facing threatening or abusive situations.

Takeaway: Colorado offers restraining orders for various threatening situations and protection orders specifically for abuse cases. Understanding which type applies to your situation is the first step in the process.

Types of Restraining and Protection Orders Available in Colorado

Colorado provides several categories of protective orders, each designed for specific circumstances. The most common type is a Domestic Abuse Protection Order, which applies when you have an intimate relationship with the person threatening or abusing you. Colorado law defines "intimate partner" broadly to include current spouses, former spouses, people who live or have lived together in a romantic relationship, people who are or have been in a dating relationship, and people who have a child together. These orders can last up to five years and can be renewed.

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A Stalking Protection Order is available if someone is engaging in a pattern of behavior that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of their family. Stalking can include following someone, showing up at their home or work repeatedly, sending unwanted messages or gifts, or monitoring someone's activities. Colorado law recognizes that stalking doesn't have to involve physical contact to be harmful. The person stalking you doesn't have to explicitly threaten you; the pattern of behavior itself can be enough.

A Sexual Assault Protection Order protects people who have experienced sexual assault or abuse. This order can be sought by victims of sexual assault, even if they have not reported the crime to police or filed criminal charges. There is no requirement that the person has been convicted or even arrested for the sexual assault.

A Harassment Protection Order may be available in cases where someone is engaging in a series of acts over time that are intended to harass, annoy, or alarm you. Harassment is different from stalking and covers situations where someone repeatedly contacts you in ways you don't want, sends threatening or unwanted messages, or engages in other repetitive unwanted behavior.

Colorado also allows for restraining orders in specific situations, such as when a landlord-tenant dispute becomes threatening, or when someone is experiencing threats related to their employment or educational setting. Some orders can last 364 days, while others can be renewed for longer periods.

Takeaway: Identify which category best describes your situation—domestic abuse, stalking, sexual assault, or general harassment—because each type has slightly different requirements and processes.

What Information You'll Need to Gather Before Starting

Before you go to the courthouse or begin any paperwork related to a restraining order, gather specific information about the person you want to protect yourself from and details about what has happened. Having this information ready will make the process much smoother and help the court understand your situation clearly.

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First, collect identifying information about the respondent—that is, the person the order would be against. This includes their full legal name, date of birth, physical address, phone number, email address, and place of employment if you know it. If the person uses nicknames or goes by a different name, include those too. If you don't know their exact birth date, an approximate age is helpful. The court needs enough information to identify the right person when they receive the order.

Next, document everything that has happened. Write down dates, times, and descriptions of incidents where the person threatened you, harassed you, stalked you, or abused you. Include specific words that were said if you remember them. Note if there were witnesses to any incidents. If the person sent you messages, emails, or texts, save those—they are powerful evidence. Take screenshots of social media posts, emails, or text messages. If you have voicemails, keep them. If the person has shown up at your home or workplace, note the dates and times. Any police reports you may have filed should be documented with the report number and date.

Gather evidence of abuse or threats. This might include photographs of injuries, damage to property, or threatening letters or cards. Keep medical records if you received treatment for injuries. If you had to leave your home because of abuse, keep records of where you stayed and any expenses you incurred.

Note any protective measures you've already taken. Have you changed your phone number? Have you told people at work about the situation? Have you installed security cameras? This shows the court how seriously you are taking your safety and what steps you have already taken.

If children are involved, gather information about them too, including their names, dates of birth, and which parent they primarily live with. Know whether the respondent has any custody or visitation rights.

Takeaway: Compile dates, descriptions of incidents, messages or evidence of threats, and identifying information about the person before visiting the courthouse. This preparation makes your request clearer and stronger.

The Process for Obtaining a Temporary Restraining Order

In Colorado, you can get a temporary restraining order very quickly, often on the same day you request one. This is important because temporary orders provide protection while you wait for a full hearing. You do not have to wait weeks or months to get initial protection—Colorado courts recognize that people in dangerous situations need immediate help.

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To request a temporary restraining order, visit the courthouse in the county where you live, where the person threatening you lives, or where the abuse or threats happened. Ask for the civil division or the domestic relations division, depending on the type of order. Court staff will direct you to the right place. You can go in person, or in some cases, you may be able to file by mail or electronically—call your county clerk's office to ask about these options.

When you arrive, tell the court staff you want to file for a restraining order or protection order. They will give you forms to complete. The forms ask for your name, address, phone number, and email; the respondent's identifying information; and details about what has happened. You will be asked to describe in your own words why you believe you need protection. Be specific and factual. Include dates and details about threatening behavior or abuse. Sign the form under oath, meaning you are swearing that everything you wrote is true.

Some courts allow you to speak with a judge the same day, while others may schedule you for a brief hearing within 24 hours. The judge will review your forms and listen to you explain why you need protection. You do not need a lawyer for this temporary hearing, though you may bring one if you want. The judge will decide whether there is enough reason to issue a temporary order. The temporary order typically lasts until a full hearing can be held, which is usually scheduled for 10 to 14 days later.

If the judge grants your temporary order, you will receive a copy. Make sure you understand what the order says the person cannot do. A typical order will include: the person must not contact you in any way, must not come within a certain distance of you (often 500 feet or more), must not go to your home, workplace, or school, and may be required to surrender weapons. Some orders include provisions about your children or pets.

The court will arrange to serve