An order of protection can turn your life upside down in a single day. It can affect where you live, when you can see your children, and how you are treated under the law. If one has been filed against you, the steps you take now matter.
In Illinois, an order of protection is governed by the Illinois Domestic Violence Act. A person seeking an order must prove their case under the standards set out in that law. The burden is on the person asking for the order — not on the person defending against it. That is an important distinction, and it is where a careful, prepared defense makes all the difference.
We recently represented a husband in his mid-thirties whose wife filed an order of protection against him. After a five-hour hearing, the judge ruled that the wife had not met her burden under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act and dismissed the order of protection in its entirety. The husband was then allowed to return home to his seven-month-old daughter.
That outcome did not happen by accident. It happened because the facts were presented clearly, the right evidence was gathered, and the defense was built around what the law actually requires. If you are facing a similar situation, an experienced family law firm can help you understand your position and protect your rights.
If an order of protection has been filed against you, do not ignore it. Read the order carefully, note every date and condition, and speak with an attorney before your hearing. The details matter — where you are allowed to be, who you are allowed to contact, and what is expected of you before the court.
Our firm helps clients throughout the region, including Palos Hills, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, and Lemont. If you have questions about an order of protection or any other family law matter, contact our office today.