Determine your eligibility for different types of protective orders in New
Jersey
Step 1: Jurisdiction Under Domestic Violence Act
Do any of the following relationships exist between you and the person who
harmed you?
Dating Relationship - You are currently dating or have
dated this person
Cohabitation - You currently live together or have
lived together
Child in Common - You have a child together with this
person
Marriage/Civil Union - You are married, divorced, or in
a civil union
Family Member - You are related by blood or marriage
(household member over 18)
None of the Above - No qualifying relationship exists
Step 2: Select the Predicate Acts That Apply
Check all acts that apply to your situation. Click "View Criminal Code
Definition" to see the legal details:
View Criminal Code Definition▼
Definition: A pattern of purposeful conduct
directed at a specific person that alarms or seriously annoys such person and serves no
legitimate purpose.
N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4 - Criminal Code for Harassment
View Criminal Code Definition▼
Definition: Attempting to cause or purposely,
knowingly or recklessly causing bodily injury to another person.
Definition: Purposely or knowingly engaging in
a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear
for their safety.
N.J.S.A. 2C:12-10 - Stalking
View Criminal Code Definition▼
Definition: Threatening to commit violence
against another person with the purpose to terrorize or cause serious public inconvenience.
N.J.S.A. 2C:12-3 - Terroristic Threats
View Criminal Code Definition▼
Definition: Unlawfully removing or restraining
another person with the intent to hold them against their will.
Definition: Committing an act of sexual
penetration or contact without consent or with someone unable to consent.
N.J.S.A. 2C:14-2 - Sexual Assault N.J.S.A. 2C:14-3 - Criminal Sexual Contact
View Criminal Code Definition▼
Definition: Purposely or knowingly damaging
another person's property or tampering with property to endanger person or property.
N.J.S.A. 2C:17-3 - Criminal Mischief
View Criminal Code Definition▼
Definition: Unlawfully entering or remaining in
a structure with the purpose to commit an offense therein.
N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2 - Burglary
View Criminal Code Definition▼
Definition: Unlawfully entering or remaining on
property of another person after being told not to enter or to leave.
N.J.S.A. 2C:18-3 - Criminal Trespass
View Criminal Code Definition▼
Definition: Exposing intimate parts of the body
under circumstances likely to cause affront or alarm.
N.J.S.A. 2C:14-4 - Lewdness
View Criminal Code Definition▼
Definition: Using electronic communication to
threaten, intimidate, harass, or cause emotional distress to another person.
N.J.S.A. 2C:33-4.1 - Cyber Harassment
Step 3: Document Prior History of Domestic Violence
NJ courts require evidence of prior domestic violence incidents. List previous
incidents with approximate dates and brief descriptions. Note: Very
egregious recent acts may not require extensive prior history.
Examples of what to include:
"March 2021 - He slapped me during an argument"
"Summer 2022 - Sent threatening text messages daily for two weeks"
"January 2024 - Punched a hole in the wall next to my head"
"June 2024 - Showed up at my workplace despite being asked to stay away"
Step 4: Establish Fear for Your Safety
Under NJ law, you must demonstrate that you are in reasonable fear for your safety and that you need the protection of a
restraining order. Check all statements that apply to your situation:
Important: A restraining order is
appropriate when you have a genuine, reasonable fear for your safety. The court will consider
whether a reasonable person in your situation would feel the need for protection.
✅ You May Qualify for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order
(TRO/FRO)
Based on your responses, you have:
A qualifying relationship under the NJ Prevention of Domestic Violence Act
One or more predicate acts that constitute domestic violence
Documentation of prior incidents (or a very serious recent act)
Demonstrated reasonable fear for your safety
Next Steps:
You can file for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) at your local Family Court
No filing fee is required for domestic violence restraining orders
A Final Restraining Order (FRO) hearing will be scheduled within 10 days
Bring documentation of all incidents, including dates and descriptions
Consider contacting a domestic violence advocate for assistance
Call 911 if you are in immediate danger
⚠️ You May Qualify for a Temporary Protective Order (TPO)
Since you don't have a qualifying relationship for domestic
violence protection, you may still be eligible for a TPO if the conduct involves:
This tool is for informational purposes only and
does not constitute legal advice. Laws are complex and fact-specific. For personalized legal
guidance, please consult with a qualified attorney or contact your local domestic violence resources.
In emergency situations, call 911 immediately.
NJ Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-572-7233
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Travis J. Tormey is a distinguished member of the legal community and a respected legal resource on domestic violence. He has been featured in a variety of prominent publications and media outlets, including CBS radio, Aol News, the Asbury Park Press, NJ.com, and the Daily Record. Mr. Tormey has also been recognized as one of the the top criminal attorneys under 40 years of age by the National Trial Lawyers Association and the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys. Whether representing victims or the wrongly accused, Travis remains passionately committed to protecting the rights of the innocent.
Areas we serve
The Tormey Law Firm LLC handles restraining order cases in Bergen County (Hackensack), Morris County (Morristown), Passaic County (Paterson), Union County (Elizabeth), Hudson County (Jersey City), Middlesex County (New Brunswick), Somerset County (Somerville), Sussex County (Newton), Essex County (Newark), Hunterdon County (Flemington), Mercer County (Trenton), Monmouth County (Freehold), Warren County (Belvidere), Ocean County (Toms River), Burlington County (Mount Holly), and throughout NJ.
