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Protection From Abuse Orders and Stalking Orders in Kansas

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Child Visitation and Exchange Center

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Protection From Abuse Orders and Stalking Orders in Kansas

Protection From Abuse Orders and Stalking Orders in Kansas

What is a Protection from Abuse (PFA) Order?

A PFA Order is a civil court action intended to stop the abuse against you and / or your child(ren). To qualify for a PFA Order you and the abuser must be intimate partners or living in the same house, meaning you must:

• Be living together OR
• Have lived together in the past OR
• Be the parent of or living with a child who as been harmed by the abuse OR
• Have a child in common OR
• Be in or have been in a dating relationship
  
  AND
  
• The abuser has purposely tried to physically harm you or a child, or has purposely or carelessly caused physical harm.
• The abuser has purposely caused you or a child to fear that physical harm is about to happen.
• The abuser has participated in certain sexual behaviors with a child under 16 years of age who is not the abuser’s spouse.

How to Apply for a Protection From Abuse Order

When the court is open:

• You can apply (or fill out a petition) at the District Court clerk’s office.
• You must sign the petition in front of the court clerk; some courts require identification.
• Be prepared to tell the judge why you think you need protection.
• Sometimes the clerk may present your application to the judge for you.
• You will probably be given a temporary order that will protect you until the final hearing. It will be good for up to 20 days.
• The court will set a date and time for a final hearing.
• At the final hearing, the judge decides if the temporary order should become a final order, lasting up to a year.