UTAH LAW

Protective Orders in Utah Steps, Forms, and What to Expect

A plain-English guide to eligibility, emergency options, filing, service, hearings, and life after the order

Utah Protective Orders can be life-changing if you or your family are unsafe. These orders are enforceable tools that create safety and clear boundaries. For many Utahns, filing is the first step toward breaking a cycle of threats, harassment, or domestic violence.

This guide makes the process clear. We walk through same-day emergency options, the forms you need, what to expect at the hearing, and what happens after. Real Utah examples show how orders work in practice so you’re not just reading the law, but seeing how it plays out in real life. Protective Orders are powerful and serious. They can affect housing, custody, and firearm rights. Knowing what to expect before you file helps you avoid common mistakes and gives you confidence to stand in court.

Who Can Get a Protective Order in Utah

Choose the order that fits your relationship and facts. If you’re facing repeated unwanted contact without a qualifying relationship, consider a Stalking Injunction instead.

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Cohabitant Abuse Protective Order

For spouses, former spouses, cohabitants, relatives, or people who share a child.

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Dating Violence Protective Order

For people who are or were in a dating relationship and experienced abuse or threats.

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Sexual Violence Protective Order

For survivors of sexual violence regardless of relationship to the respondent.

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Child Protective Order

Protects a minor child. Some cases are handled in juvenile court.

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Not a Qualifying Relationship?

See Protective Order vs Stalking Injunction.

Official Forms and Where to File

Use the Utah Courts packets for your situation. There is no filing fee for a Protective Order in Utah.

forms_hub Utah Courts Protective Orders

order_types Cohabitant Abuse, Dating Violence, Sexual Violence, Child Protective Order

filing_fee $0 for Protective Orders in Utah

where_to_file District court in your county or where abuse occurred (juvenile court for some child cases)

File in the right court so service can happen quickly. Example: a filer in Utah County filed where threats occurred to speed up service.

Before Court: Safety, Evidence, Temporary Orders

Safety and Emergency Options

Key Points: If in immediate danger call 911. You can ask for a same-day temporary ex parte order.

Example: A parent in Salt Lake County received a late afternoon order that kept the respondent away from home and school until the hearing.

Evidence to Gather

Timeline: Write dates and short facts. Save texts, emails, call logs, screenshots, photos, medical records, and police reports.

Witnesses: Get names and contact details for anyone who saw or heard incidents.

Temporary Ex Parte Review

Same-Day Review: A judge may issue a temporary no-contact and stay-away order or set a hearing without issuing a temporary order.

Hearing: Usually set about two weeks out. Bring your evidence and any witness.

Service of Papers

Who Serves: The sheriff, a constable, or another authorized server. Do not serve papers yourself.

Cost: Usually no cost in Protective Order cases. Example: in Ogden a deputy served the respondent at work to make the order enforceable immediately.

Step-by-Step: Filing a Utah Protective Order

Choose the Correct Order

Open the Utah Courts page, select the packet for your order type, and review whether a Stalking Injunction fits better for non-relationship stalking.

Gather Facts and Fill Out Forms

Be concrete and specific. There is no filing fee. Include dates, quotes, screenshots, and witness information.

File and Judge Review

File with the district court clerk in your county or where abuse occurred. A judge may issue a temporary ex parte order the same day or set a hearing.

Service and Hearing Prep

Law enforcement or an authorized server handles service. Practice a short statement that follows your timeline and gather your exhibits.

Hearing and After the Order

Arrive early and stick to facts. If granted, review terms like no contact, move-out, custody, and firearm restrictions. Log and report violations and keep certified copies.

Official Links and Learning Hub

Key Takeaways

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Pick the correct order type. If there is no qualifying relationship, a Stalking Injunction may fit better.

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Use the official packets. There is no filing fee. A judge may issue a same-day temporary order.

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Document everything and follow service rules. After the order is granted, keep records and report violations.

This page is legal information, not legal advice. When in doubt, get counsel before you file.

Next Step

If you’re ready to move forward, start your evidence timeline and download the correct packet. A short consult can help you avoid mistakes and delays.

Book a Protective-Order Consult

We’ll help you understand eligibility, forms, service, hearing expectations, and how to handle violations.

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