Restraining Orders

An ex parte temporary or final domestic abuse protection order can do the following:

• order the abuser to:
  • not place any limits on you or your freedom (liberty);
  • not threaten, assault, bother (molest), attack, or otherwise disturb you;
  • not contact you in any way;
  • be removed (excluded) from your home regardless of who owns the home;
  • stay away from any specific place;
  • not have or buy a firearm;
  • not be in contact with, hurt, or kill any household pet owned or held by you, the abuser, or any family or household member who lives with either of you; and
• give you:
  • temporary custody of any minor children for a specific period of up to 90 days;
  • sole possession of any household pet that is owned or held by you, the abuser, or any family or household member who lives with either of you; and
• anything else that the judge believes is necessary for your safety.¹

Whether a judge orders any or all of the above depends on the facts of your case.

Note: If the judge gives you possession of a household pet in a protection order, this is not a final determination of who owns the pet. You will not be allowed to transfer or sell the pet without court approval, unless a licensed vet recommends that the pet be put down (euthanized).²

¹ Neb. Rev. Stat. § 26-103(2)
² Neb. Rev. Stat. § 26-103(3)