When a person has been the victim of, or is accused of, domestic violence an Emergency Protective Order (EPO) is often issued by the Court. An Emergency Protective Order (EPO) is a temporary order of protection, put into place until a Court can hear both sides of the case. After the Emergency Protective Order (EPO) is issued, the Court conducts a hearing to determine if a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) should be issued. A Domestic Violence Order (DVO) is a long term Order of Protection, which can be in place up to three years. A Domestic Violence Order (DVO) can be extended at the request of the Petitioner.

An individual can take out an Emergency Protective Order (EPO) against a spouse, a significant other that they have lived with, or a person with whom they have a child in common. An Emergency Protective Order (EPO) is a temporary Order of Protection issued as the result of an accusation of domestic violence. Depending on the circumstances and the desires of the parties, the Courts can issue a no contact Domestic Violence Order (DVO) or a no unlawful contact Domestic Violence Order (DVO). When a no contact Domestic Violence Order (DVO) is put into place, the Respondent is prohibited from having any contact with the Petitioner, and may be ordered to stay a certain distance away from specific locations. When a no unlawful contact Domestic Violence Order (DVO) is issued, the parties may still have contact with each other but there cannot be any violence and threats by the Respondent. If there are any violations of a Domestic Violence Order (DVO), the Respondent may be arrested immediately and potentially face additional charges in criminal and Family Court.

Once a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) is put into place by the Court, the Order can remain in place for up to three years. The Petitioner may request that the Court extend an existing Order before the expiration date. Domestic Violence Orders (DVO) may be amended between a no contact and a no unlawful contact Order. If the parties involved in the case have children together, additional factors need to be considered. If the situation calls for such a protection, Orders can be issued on behalf of the parties’ children. 

The lawyers at Durrett & Kersting are experienced in representing both the Petitioner and the Respondent in Emergency Protective Order (EPO) hearings. Contact your Louisville Family Lawyer today for a free consultation.