New York Domestic Violence and Protective Order Resources
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New York courts can order protection for someone facing violence or credible threats. The order goes by different names in different states, including protective order, order of protection, restraining order, and injunction for protection.
These filings are built to move fast, and clerks are generally set up to help with the paperwork. Filing fees for protection cases are commonly waived. The official New York documents and self-help resources are below.
If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911 first. Court paperwork comes after safety.
Official New York protection resources
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New York family law forms (official index) (New York judicial branch): The official statewide collection of New York family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://www.nycourts.gov/forms/familycourt
New York court self-help resources (New York courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own New York family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://www.nycourts.gov/courthelp
Find a NY court (by county and court type) (New York judicial branch): Find the courthouse or clerk that serves your area, with locations and contact details. https://www.nycourts.gov/find-court
New York state courts website (New York judicial branch): The official home of the New York court system, with statewide rules, news, and links to every court. https://www.nycourts.gov
Verified official New York protection documents
These official documents are the petitions and related paperwork New York publishes for protection cases.
Family Offense Petition (Form 8-2), form 8-2 (Domestic Violence), official document: https://www.nycourts.gov/LegacyPDFS/FORMS/familycourt/pdfs/8-2.pdf
Official link data for New York was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost anything to ask for protection?
Protection filings are commonly free, and clerk staff are generally expected to help with the forms. Confirm with your New York clerk, since the rules are set by state law.
How fast can protection happen?
Courts normally review these filings quickly and can put a temporary order in place before any full hearing. A hearing on a longer order is then scheduled. Ask the clerk how it is handled where you file.
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Use behavior pattern tools to review communication over time and connect dated observations to their supporting records. Response timing, unanswered questions and member-added notes can provide starting points for your review. Check automated findings against the full conversation, including later replies or explanations. The tools do not establish intent, diagnose a parent or replace an attorney's assessment of your circumstances.
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New York custody and parenting-time resources
New York Courts also calls visitation parenting time. Use these official resources alongside your own organized records. Court information comes from the court system; these links do not imply endorsement of FamilyCourtHelp.
- New York visitation and parenting time
Official information explaining visitation and parenting time.
- Custody & visitation orders
Official information and help links for custody and visitation orders.
- Find a New York court
Use the official statewide directory to find the relevant court.