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Orders of Protection

An order of protection may be an important step toward keeping you or your family safe from abuse, threats, stalking, or sexual assault.

17+

Adults this age and older may seek protection orders.

$0

Cost to file an Order of Protection

180 days

Minimum duration of an order of protection in Missouri.

25+

Individuals Donelan Law has assisted in obtaining orders.

Understanding Orders of Protection in Missouri

An order of protection is a legal tool that helps safeguard individuals and families from abuse or credible threats of harm.

Petition forms are available free of charge through the circuit clerk’s office, and organizations such as the Family Justice Center may assist with filing. If a filing is needed after business hours or during holidays, local law enforcement or domestic violence programs can help identify where to complete a petition.

Orders of protection may address:

  • Physical abuse or threats of violence
  • Stalking or harassment
  • Sexual assault or attempted assault
  • Ongoing danger to a child
Learn More

Legal Considerations & Court Proceedings

Although an attorney is not required, legal representation can be critical in contested or high-conflict cases, especially when:

  • The opposing party is represented by counsel
  • Evidence must be clearly presented at an evidentiary hearing
  • Testimony may affect related criminal or civil proceedings

Additionally, many abusers misuse the court system and may file frivolous petitions for an order of protection against the victim. Donelan Law can help defend and advise you in such actions.

What now?

Orders of Protection are an important safety tool for survivors

Who can be protected by an Order of Protection?

Any adult aged 17 or older may seek protection. Orders of Protection may also be filed on behalf of an abused or endangered child.

Against whom can an order be filed? 

An Order of Protection can be filed against family, household members, intimate partners, stalkers, and/or sexual offenders.

Case Results

25+

Orders Obtained
Assisted over 25 individuals in obtaining adult or child orders of protection, including obtaining monetary awards for attorney fees, counseling and housing.

50+

Individuals
Assisted with crime victim representation, providing important victim support and advocacy services during investigations and criminal proceedings.

Client Testimonials

I had an extremely positive experience working with Sarah and Erica at Donelan Law. They constantly stayed on top of my case and never let anything slip past them. I truly felt that they were invested in the case and my well-being throughout the process.

Avery L.

My experience at Donelan Law with Sarah was amazing. This was my first time pursuing charges in any way on my own. I was only 19-20, and Sarah and her coworkers walked me through every step with patience and kindness. They communicated with me as they went through the process, and kept me informed the whole time. Which was a huge comfort because I was so so nervous.

Not only were they professional, fast, along with strong communication, but they were also so friendly. I felt comfortable opening up to them which was really important in a case like mine.  It’s truly a place built on a foundation of cutthroat kindness, with people who want to work WITH you not just for you.

Again, I had an amazing experience with Donelan law, considering my situation things couldn’t have gone better. She won my case, prioritized my emotions, properly prepared me for court and taking the stand. As far as being a lawyer goes I genuinely cannot find one thing she needs to improve on. I would refer anyone to her and her team!

– Allyssa B.

I reached out to Donelan Law for help in navigating an extremely stressful and complicated issue involving my daughter. My daughter was the victim of a sexual assault and I did not know where to begin. Sarah walked us through every step of the process. She explained to us every step we would need to take and every possible outcome we could face, good or bad. She took her time with my daughter, always checking in, making sure she was okay throughout the process. Her advice was invaluable as we worked towards a resolution. I do not know where we would be today without her and everyone at the office. She truly cared about my daughter and our family. I simply cannot say enough good things about her. 

– L.W.

Highly recommend Sarah. She is down-to-earth yet professional. Handled our situation with class and was great to work with. Highly recommend.

– Mark H.

Sarah and her team are amazing. Sarah took the time to explain the legal process in ways that I could understand and always kept me up to date on everything that was happening. I was also able to contact her via call or text and she was always getting back to me very quickly. She knows these cases are very sensitive and personal and she takes great care in her approach to talking about everything. Sarah was able to get me a settlement from my childhood sexual abuser and we settled the case before trial. Without her help I would have been so lost. Thank you Sarah (and the rest of the team) for your help! You made the entire process as easy as possible for me and I truly appreciate it. Thank you so much!

– C.F.

Donelan Law never let me down!  Sarah was a wealth of information and knowledge.  She put up with all my worries and frustrations.  She was definitely my voice of reason!  It took the better part of 2 yrs to settle the case, but Sarah was with me every step of the way. I cannot begin to express how thankful I was to have Sarah on my team!  Even though I hope I never encounter more legal issues, Sarah would be my 1st choice, hands down.  Many thanks for the tireless commitment for me and my case.

– Anonymous

I had an extremely positive experience working with Sarah and Erica at Donelan Law. They constantly stayed on top of my case and never let anything slip past them. I truly felt that they were invested in the case and my well-being throughout the process.

Avery L.

My experience at Donelan Law with Sarah was amazing. This was my first time pursuing charges in any way on my own. I was only 19-20, and Sarah and her coworkers walked me through every step with patience and kindness. They communicated with me as they went through the process, and kept me informed the whole time. Which was a huge comfort because I was so so nervous.

Not only were they professional, fast, along with strong communication, but they were also so friendly. I felt comfortable opening up to them which was really important in a case like mine.  It’s truly a place built on a foundation of cutthroat kindness, with people who want to work WITH you not just for you.

Again, I had an amazing experience with Donelan law, considering my situation things couldn’t have gone better. She won my case, prioritized my emotions, properly prepared me for court and taking the stand. As far as being a lawyer goes I genuinely cannot find one thing she needs to improve on. I would refer anyone to her and her team!

– Allyssa B.

I reached out to Donelan Law for help in navigating an extremely stressful and complicated issue involving my daughter. My daughter was the victim of a sexual assault and I did not know where to begin. Sarah walked us through every step of the process. She explained to us every step we would need to take and every possible outcome we could face, good or bad. She took her time with my daughter, always checking in, making sure she was okay throughout the process. Her advice was invaluable as we worked towards a resolution. I do not know where we would be today without her and everyone at the office. She truly cared about my daughter and our family. I simply cannot say enough good things about her. 

– L.W.

Highly recommend Sarah. She is down-to-earth yet professional. Handled our situation with class and was great to work with. Highly recommend.

– Mark H.

Sarah and her team are amazing. Sarah took the time to explain the legal process in ways that I could understand and always kept me up to date on everything that was happening. I was also able to contact her via call or text and she was always getting back to me very quickly. She knows these cases are very sensitive and personal and she takes great care in her approach to talking about everything. Sarah was able to get me a settlement from my childhood sexual abuser and we settled the case before trial. Without her help I would have been so lost. Thank you Sarah (and the rest of the team) for your help! You made the entire process as easy as possible for me and I truly appreciate it. Thank you so much!

– C.F.

Donelan Law never let me down!  Sarah was a wealth of information and knowledge.  She put up with all my worries and frustrations.  She was definitely my voice of reason!  It took the better part of 2 yrs to settle the case, but Sarah was with me every step of the way. I cannot begin to express how thankful I was to have Sarah on my team!  Even though I hope I never encounter more legal issues, Sarah would be my 1st choice, hands down.  Many thanks for the tireless commitment for me and my case.

– Anonymous

What Sets Donelan Law Apart

Donelan Law approaches protection order matters with careful preparation, strategic evidence presentation, and clear guidance throughout the court process.

Our clients receive: 

  • Strategic preparation for hearings and court testimony
  • Strong evidentiary presentation focused on safety and credibility
  • Defense against retaliatory or bad-faith protection filings

Our goal is to help individuals and families secure meaningful protection while navigating the process with clarity, confidence, and safety.

Discuss Your Options

Frequently asked questions and answers

No. While police reports can strengthen a case, they are not required. Your sworn testimony alone may be enough for the court to issue a protection order.

There are many differences between criminal and civil cases:

1) Who decides to pursue charges.
In criminal cases, the State of Missouri or the federal government decides whether to pursue charges against a person when they have committed a crime. 

In a civil action, the victim or their legal representative chooses to pursue legal action against the person or entity who caused them harm. 

2) The kinds of justice and remuneration a case can achieve.
In a civil case, the victim usually seeks monetary compensation for damages.

In a criminal cases, the courts may award monetary restitution, but also can impose punishments such as fines, imprisonment, community service, court-ordered treatment, or other remedies.

3) The Standard of Proof required to achieve a result.
In civil cases, the standard of proof is generally lower than in criminal cases.

4) Impact on Related Cases
A criminal conviction can sometimes make the civil case more likely to be successful, but it is not necessary to file criminal charges. Even if a defendant is found not guilty in a criminal case, you still may be able to file a civil action against the abuser or a third party.

A victim can pursue a civil action whether or not a criminal case has also been filed. 

It depends on several factors.

In most personal injury cases, Donelan Law works on a contingency basis. This means you do not pay a fee for the services unless we win and make a successful recovery. A personal injury case is a civil legal claim brought by an individual seeking compensation for wrongs committed by an individual or entities who caused them preventable harms and losses (i.e., suing an abuser or third party for money damages).

In other types of cases, Donelan Law can be hired for an hourly rate or a flat fee.  For example, representation for obtaining an order of protection is often based on an hourly fee or a flat fee.  After reviewing the facts of your case, we will let you know the initial retainer fee to open a case and candidly discuss potential costs from the beginning and throughout your case.

In many types of cases, Donelan Law only receives a fee after a monetary recovery has been made.  However, in some legal battles with abusers, having an experienced attorney can make all the difference. Having an attorney as your advocate and legal representative can better protect your time, money, mental health and safety.  Sarah has over 10 years of experience fighting for survivors of sexual and domestic violence and she understands the real dangers of some abusers and knows the complicated legal system.

Donelan Law understands that abusers can wreak havoc on all areas of your life, and you may need support with several issues.  We are here to help you navigate whatever legal issues you are facing or make sure you find the right help. This might include defamation claims, criminal charges, and housing issues. 

Please note: Donelan Law does not generally represent clients in family law cases (i.e., divorce and custody cases).

An Order of Protection is a court order designed to protect you from abuse, threats, stalking, or harassment.

In Missouri, there are two types:

  1. Ex Parte Order of Protection
  • Temporary
  • Can be issued the same day you file
  • Granted, without the abuser present
  • Provides immediate protection
  • Full Order of Protection
  • Issued after a court hearing
  1. Full Order of Protection
  • Issued after a court hearing
  • Can last from 180 days up to one year (and can be renewed)

A Missouri court may order:

  • No contact (in person, phone, text, email, social media)
  • The abuser to leave a shared residence
  • Temporary custody of children
  • Child support
  • Possession of pets
  • Surrender of firearms
  • Protection at work, school, or other locations

Every case is different, and the court tailors orders to the situation.

Yes! Donelan Law takes the utmost precautions to ensure your information stays private and it is always the individual’s decision whether or not to move forward with legal action.

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