Restraining Orders

On the day of the injunction hearing, you must go to the hearing to ask to have your temporary order turned into a final domestic abuse restraining order (injunction). If you do not go to the hearing, your temporary order will expire and you will have to start the process all over again. If you are age 60 or older, you can participate in the hearing by telephone or with an internet streaming service,¹ such as Zoom.

The abuser does not have to show up to the hearing for you to get the final injunction. The judge may still grant you a final injunction or the judge may reschedule the hearing (if either you or the abuser requests a continuance).

You may wish to get a lawyer to help with your case, especially if the abuser has a lawyer. You can also represent yourself. If the abuser shows up with a lawyer, you can ask the judge for a “continuance” so that you have time to find a lawyer. Go to our WI Finding a Lawyer page to find help in your area.

If you absolutely cannot go to the hearing at the scheduled time, you may call the court to ask if you can request that your case be “continued” but the judge may deny your request.

¹ Wis. Stat. § 813.12(1)(ar), (5b)