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Family violence can affect personal safety, housing, communication, parenting and an ongoing divorce or custody case. Connecticut provides civil and criminal court processes, but they are not the same and may proceed at the same time.
Civil Restraining Orders
Connecticut General Statutes Section 46b-15 permits qualifying family or household members to apply in Superior Court for relief from abuse. Depending on the facts and the court’s findings, orders may address contact, residence, temporary possession of essential personal property and other protections authorized by law.
A court may initially consider an application without the other person present. A hearing then gives the parties an opportunity to present evidence. Filing, service and hearing requirements matter, so applicants and respondents should read all papers carefully and comply with every active order.
Criminal Protective Orders Are Different
A criminal protective order is issued in a criminal case and is separate from a civil family restraining order. Family-court custody orders may also exist. When multiple orders apply, their terms must be reviewed together. Do not assume that one order cancels another.
Custody and Child-Safety Concerns
Safety allegations can affect temporary custody, parenting time, exchanges and communication. Courts need specific facts and reliable evidence. Relevant material may include police reports, medical records, messages, photographs, witness information and existing court orders. Evidence should be preserved lawfully; do not access another person’s private account without authorization.
Legal Help for Applicants and Respondents
Legal representation may help an applicant present admissible evidence and request appropriate relief. A respondent also needs to understand the allegations, hearing date and consequences of violating an order. No lawyer can guarantee whether an order will be granted, denied or modified.
Official Connecticut Judicial Branch instructions and forms are available through the restraining-order instructions and the family restraining-order application.
Discuss a Connecticut Family-Law Matter
Call (203) 373-9080 or use the contact form on this page. Submitting a form does not create an attorney-client relationship. Representation begins only after a conflicts check and a written engagement agreement.
Reviewed September 2026. Connecticut law and court procedures can change. This page provides general information and is not legal advice.
