Restraining Orders

You can ask a civil court for a protection order if the abuser has committed domestic violence against you or your children as long as  s/he is one of the following:

• A relative or former relative (either by blood or marriage);
• A spouse or ex-spouse;
• The father or mother of your child;
• A current or former intimate partner (not married to you); or
• A current or former housemate.¹

Also, if the judge finds that there is an immediate danger to the employees of a business, the judge can issue a protection order in the name of the business for the protection of the employees.² 

A parent may file on behalf of a minor child (under 18).³  You cannot get a protection order against someone who is under 10 years old.⁴  You may want to contact a domestic violence organization or a court clerk for more information on minors requesting protective orders.  See CO Advocates and Shelters and CO Courthouse Locations for contact information.

Note: Colorado also has protection orders based on stalking, assault and threatened bodily harm, sexual assault or unwanted sexual contact, and emotional abuse of an elderly or at-risk person – the abuser does NOT have to be related to you or in an intimate relationship with you to qualify for one of these orders.  For more information on each of the these orders, see Protection Orders for Stalking, Sexual Assault, Physical Harm/Threats, and Elder Abuse.

¹ Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-14-101(2)
² Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-14-104.5(7)(b)
³ Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-14-101(2.2), Colorado Rules of County Civil Procedure Rule 317(C)
⁴ Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-14-104.5(1)(a)