Stalking Protective Order

A Stalking Protective Order will protect you (the Petitioner) from any unwanted contact by another person (the Respondent).

Background

The stalking law became effective on June 14, 1995 and requires two or more stalking incidents to have occurred after that date to file a "stalking complaint" with the court. The Stalking Protective Order prohibits a person (the Respondent) from having contact with you. There is no time limit on the Stalking Protective Order.

Obtaining the Stalking Order

• If you are interested in obtaining a Stalking order, you can go to Room 211 of the Multnomah County Courthouse (1021 SW 4th Ave, Portland) between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 PM and fill out a Stalking complaint.
• It is very important that you fill out the stalking complaint clearly and completely (with full names and addresses).
  If you need help filling out the form, call the Family Law Office at 988-3471.
• The court must have your paperwork by 5:00, the day before you want to see the Judge. You would turn your paperwork in to the clerk in Room 211.
• At the time you file your "Stalking Complaint" you will receive your hearing date, time and room number from the court clerk.

The Hearing

• At this hearing, the judge may grant you a "Temporary Stalking Order". If he/she does, you would return to Room 211 and obtain a certified copy of this order.
• The "Temporary Stalking Order" gives you the same protection as a Permanent Stalking Protective Order in terms of prohibiting contact by the Respondent with you. If the Respondent does make contact with you, you should contact the police.
• When you receive a copy of the "Temporary Stalking Order", you will also be given a date to return to court for your "final" hearing. At this hearing the respondent will also be there, if he/she so chooses.
• YOU MUST APPEAR at the final hearing or the judge may dismiss your case. Both you and the respondent will be given the opportunity to tell your story and present witnesses, but remember time is limited.
• If the judge enters the Permanent Stalking Protective Order, and the Respondent violates the Order, the Respondent will be subject to arrest and prosecution.

If you want the Stalking Order removed

If for some reason you would want to drop the Stalking order, Motions to Modify with accompanying affidavits are also available in Room 211. Follow the procedure above to have it vacated.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Family Law Court at 988-3943.

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