Family Court
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Protective Orders
Safety, defense, and clear-eyed counsel.
We represent both plaintiffs seeking protection and defendants facing protective orders — with empathy, discretion, and a sharp understanding of Arizona law.
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Defendant Defense
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Overview
Protective Orders in Arizona
At The Sander Law Firm, we are committed to providing comprehensive legal support to both plaintiffs seeking protection and defendants facing protective orders in family law cases. A protective order is a legal document designed to safeguard individuals and their families from domestic violence, harassment, threats, or potential future harm.
For plaintiffs, we offer empathetic and dedicated representation to help obtain a new — or defend an existing — protective order. For defendants, we meticulously assess the circumstances and craft a strong defense to protect their rights while navigating the complexities of the legal system.
We strive to create a secure environment for all parties involved, while upholding the principles of justice and fairness throughout the legal process.
Both sides of the courtroom
We've handled protective orders from both perspectives — and we use that experience to your advantage.
Types of Orders
Three categories under Arizona law.
Each protective order has its own relationship requirements, evidentiary thresholds, and downstream consequences. Choosing the right one is the first strategic decision.
Order of Protection
Prevents acts of domestic violence. Requires a familial or statutory relationship between plaintiff and defendant — and reasonable cause that an act of domestic violence may occur, or has occurred in the last year.
Injunction Against Harassment
No relationship requirement. Available against anyone harassing the plaintiff, where the court finds at least two acts of harassment in the last year, or good cause to believe irreparable harm will occur.
Lifetime No-Contact Injunction
For victims of certain enumerated crimes — sexual assault, dangerous offenses against children, kidnapping, stalking, and others — where the defendant has been convicted.
A Closer Look
The standards behind each order.
What the court actually considers — and how the right preparation changes the outcome.
01
Order of Protection
Orders of Protection are granted to prevent a person from engaging in acts of domestic violence. There must be a familial or statutory relationship between the plaintiff and defendant. Qualifying relationships include parties related by marriage or blood, parties who live together (or have in the past), parties who have a child in common (or one party is pregnant by the other), a victim child who lives with (or has lived with) the defendant, and parties currently or formerly in a romantic or sexual relationship.
If you meet the relationship requirement, the court must find reasonable cause to believe the defendant may commit — or has committed within the last year — an act of domestic violence. For specifics on the filing process, see our blog "Obtaining an Order of Protection or Injunction Against Harassment."
02
Injunction Against Harassment
An Injunction Against Harassment is used to prevent the defendant from committing an act of violence, intimidation, or harassment against the plaintiff. The key difference from an Order of Protection is that no relationship is required — you can obtain one against any person harassing you, or any person reasonably likely to inflict irreparable harm if the injunction is not granted.
To grant the Injunction, the court must find reasonable evidence that the defendant has committed a series of acts of harassment (at least two) against the plaintiff within the last year, or that good cause exists to believe the plaintiff will suffer great or irreparable harm without the Injunction.
03
Lifetime No-Contact Injunction
In Arizona, you can obtain an Order for a Lifetime No-Contact Injunction if you are a victim in a case where the defendant has been convicted of certain enumerated crimes:
- A dangerous offense (deadly weapon or serious physical injury)
- Aggravated Assault
- Sexual Assault
- Any dangerous crime against children
- Arson of an occupied structure
- Armed robbery
- Burglary in the first degree
- Kidnapping
- Sexual conduct with a minor under fifteen
- Child sex trafficking
- Molestation of a child
- Sexual exploitation of a minor
- Assault with intent to incite a riot
- Drive-by shooting
- Discharging a firearm at an occupied residence
- Terrorism
- Stalking
- Voyeurism
If you or your child have been a victim of a listed offense — or a similar offense — contact our office to discuss whether you may be eligible.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
A protective order is a legal document designed to safeguard individuals and their families from domestic violence, harassment, threats, or potential future harm.
It depends. An Order of Protection requires a familial or statutory relationship. An Injunction Against Harassment has no relationship requirement.
For an Order of Protection, the court must find reasonable cause to believe the defendant may commit — or has committed within the last year — an act of domestic violence. For an Injunction Against Harassment, the court looks for at least two acts of harassment within the last year or good cause that irreparable harm will occur.
Many protective orders can be issued ex parte on the day of filing if the judge finds the standard met. The defendant then has the right to request a hearing to contest the order.
Comply with the order while we evaluate the allegations. You generally have the right to request a hearing — and the way you respond in those first days matters. Call our office before contacting the plaintiff.
Yes. A protective order can restrict contact with shared children, require you to surrender firearms, and impact pending family law matters. The stakes are higher than many people realize.
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Need help with a protective order?
Whether you need a protective order or have been served with one, call The Sander Law Firm to schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney who has stood on both sides.
- Orders of Protection
- Injunctions Against Harassment
- Lifetime No-Contact
- Hearing defense
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