Many people look for help with getting a restraining order in Colorado Springs because they fear for their safety. This process can feel confusing and even overwhelming at times. We have taken the time to research it, and we learned that victims of domestic violence often do not have to pay filing fees.
Our guide walks you through each step, from filling out forms to going to court, so you know what will happen and what you need. You are not alone in this—keep reading to find the answers you need.
What is a Restraining Order?
A restraining order is a legal paper from a judge. It tells someone, called the restrained person, to stop hurting or scaring another person. In Colorado Springs, we use these orders for protection from abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or harassment.
The court can also use a restraining order for elderly abuse cases.
We can ask for this protection if we are scared for our safety. A judge gives this order in civil court—sometimes quickly if there is risk of harm. Protection orders might keep someone away from us at home, work or school and ban all contact by phone or message.
If children need safety too, we must file through district court with different forms—especially for custody issues.
Types of Restraining Orders in Colorado Springs
Restraining orders come in different forms, each for a specific need. We use them to keep people safe from harm or threats—courts can grant these quickly if there is real danger.
Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)
A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) gives quick legal protection from harm, harassment, or threats. We can get a TRO in Colorado Springs by going to a courthouse and filling out a complaint.
The TESSA office at 435 Gold Pass Heights also helps with filing requests for domestic violence protection orders. A judge may sign the TRO on the same day if we prove danger or abuse.
Victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or elder abuse do not pay any filing fee. Others may need to pay standard court fees when seeking civil court restraining orders.
If we need custody help for children along with our order, we must file a separate case in district court. El Paso County courts accept filings where either person lives or works—or where the harm took place.
In Colorado Springs, victims can ask for a temporary restraining order at 435 Gold Pass Heights—no cost for those facing domestic abuse.
Emergency Protection Order (EPO)
Police ask for an Emergency Protection Order (EPO) if they believe someone faces danger right away. A judge gives the order fast—often at night or on weekends—after police contact them.
EPOs offer legal protection from harassment, stalking, intimidation or domestic violence, and can keep a restrained person from coming near us or our family.
We may get an EPO even outside normal court hours. This order is short-term and only lasts a few days. It gives us time to seek a longer Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) if we need more protection.
Police act quickly in these cases because safety is the first goal.
Permanent Protection Order (PPO)
A Permanent Protection Order (PPO) gives long-term legal protection from harm, harassment, or stalking. After a judge grants a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), we must attend a court hearing to ask for the PPO.
If we prove danger still exists—like ongoing domestic violence or intimidation—the judge may issue this order.
The PPO can last forever unless changed or ended by the court. It keeps the restrained person from contacting us at home, work, school, or in public places. In Colorado Springs, these cases go through civil court and often involve situations like domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, or elderly abuse.
To modify custody of children with a PPO involved, we need to file separately in district court under domestic relations rules.
Steps to Obtain a Restraining Order
Understanding each step in getting a restraining order gives us the tools to protect ourselves—keep reading to learn what comes next.
Step 1: Gather Required Forms
We get the right paperwork from the courthouse or online. For a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) for domestic violence, we can also go to the TESSA office at 435 Gold Pass Heights, Colorado Springs.
Tro forms are needed if we want protection from abuse, harassment, stalking, or sexual assault. If child custody is part of our case, we use district court domestic relations forms instead.
The county where we file depends on where the accused abuser lives or works—or where we live or work—or where the abuse happened. Filling out a verified complaint or motion for protection order is required before moving forward.
The main office for help and questions about these documents is at 719-633-1462 on Gold Pass Heights in Colorado Springs.
Step 2: File with the Court
We take our completed forms to the courthouse. We file a complaint or motion for protection order in civil court. In El Paso County, we can do this at 435 Gold Pass Heights in Colorado Springs, or another county if needed.
Victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, or abuse do not pay a filing fee—others might need to.
Forms must be filled out and signed before turning them in. If we want custody orders for children, we need to start a district court domestic relations case too. For help or questions, TESSA Office is available at 719-633-1462.
This step starts the process of getting legal protection from harassment or harm through a court order.
Step 3: Attend the Hearing
We must go to court on the date given for our restraining order hearing. The judge will listen to both sides before making a decision about the protection order. We need to bring all papers, forms, and any proof of abuse or harassment with us—photos, messages, reports—all help show why we need legal protection.
The accused abuser can speak at this hearing too. The judge may ask questions about domestic violence, harassment, stalking, sexual assault, or elderly abuse. Court hearings are held in civil court in Colorado Springs and may happen quickly after filing for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO).
If we want custody orders for minor children linked to our case, we must request these during the hearing as well.
Step 4: Serve the Respondent
After the court approves a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), we must ensure the respondent—the accused abuser or restrained person—gets official notice. The law does not allow us to hand this paperwork to them ourselves.
We need someone else, like a sheriff, process server, or another adult who is not part of our case.
Service should happen as soon as possible after filing in civil court. If we do not properly serve the respondent with all required papers, including any order for protection from harassment or domestic violence, the order is not valid.
For help with service details in El Paso County, we can call 719-633-1462 or visit 435 Gold Pass Heights in Colorado Springs.
Filing Fees and Costs
We pay a filing fee when we file for most types of protection orders in Colorado Springs. Victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, or sexual abuse do not have to pay this fee.
This helps many people get legal help fast.
To get a court order for custody of minor children, we need to file a separate case in district court. Protection order paperwork can be filed at several places: where the abuse happened, where either party lives or works.
For questions about costs and forms, we can call 719-633-1462 or visit the TESSA office at 435 Gold Pass Heights.
What to Expect During the Hearing
We bring our forms and proof to court. A judge listens as we explain why we need a restraining order. The accused abuser gets a chance to respond, too. Our proof might be police reports, texts, or witnesses who saw the harassment or violence.
Hearings in Colorado Springs often move quickly—sometimes on the same day we file for a temporary restraining order at TESSA’s office at 435 Gold Pass Heights. In cases about domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, or elderly abuse, no filing fee is needed.
If children are involved, we must ask for custody through a district court domestic relations case. The judge decides if there is enough reason to give us protection from harm or harassment right away through a civil protection order that can last until another hearing.
Modifying or Dismissing a Restraining Order
We can ask the civil court to change or drop a restraining order. Either we, as the protected person, or the restrained person may file this request. The process needs new paperwork with clear reasons for the change or dismissal.
If children are involved, such as custody changes, we must open a district court domestic relations case.
A judge will review our request at another hearing in El Paso County or where needed—location depends on facts like where abuse happened or parties live. Getting legal assistance helps us prepare and present our side well.
TESSA at 435 Gold Pass Heights and local family attorneys give support during these steps.
Consequences of Violating a Restraining Order
Courts in Colorado Springs take violations of a restraining order very seriously. If we violate a protection order, police may arrest us right away. The restrained person can go to jail for up to one year and pay fines as high as $5,000.
A violation also counts as a crime under both civil court and criminal law. Even if the protected person agrees to meet, breaking any part of the court order is still illegal.
Charges often include contempt of court or new charges like harassment or stalking—especially in cases involving domestic violence, sexual assault, or elderly abuse. A judge could issue stricter orders or extend how long an accused abuser stays on record.
We might lose rights, such as child custody or gun ownership if found guilty in El Paso County courts. Breaking these rules makes it much harder for anyone wanting to fight a restraining order later or modify it through the civil court restraining orders process.
Police will use records from incidents like this when called for more help with personal safety concerns at 435 Gold Pass Heights—the TESSA office—or during future hearings at district court.
Resources for Victims in Colorado Springs
We can use local help centers and support groups in Colorado Springs—find out more about these important resources here.
TESSA Office
We get Temporary Restraining Orders for domestic violence at the TESSA office. The address is 435 Gold Pass Heights, Colorado Springs. TESSA helps with protection orders and paperwork if someone faces abuse or harassment.
Victims of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault do not need to pay a filing fee for these court-ordered restraining orders. We also call their main office at 719-633-1462 for help with legal protection and safety planning.
This makes it easier to start the restraining order process right here in El Paso County.
Colorado Springs Family Attorneys
Colorado Springs family attorneys help us with protection orders, custody cases, and keeping our loved ones safe. We can reach out for legal help on getting a restraining order, fighting back against harassment or intimidation, or seeking custody of minor children—filing happens in district court for these matters.
For questions about filing fees or paperwork in El Paso County, the main office at 435 Gold Pass Heights is open to us; their phone number is 719-633-1462.
Family lawyers know how civil courts work with domestic violence protection and restraining order process rules. They guide us through filling out forms and what proof we need for a protective order.
Many people search online to find answers about courtordered restraining orders, modifying them, or understanding costs—attorneys give real advice based on Colorado laws and local practice.
Conclusion
Getting a restraining order can help keep us safe. We follow clear steps and fill out the needed forms. The courts in Colorado Springs take these requests seriously. If we need help, support groups and legal teams are here for us.
Taking this step gives us real protection from harm or threats.