Protective Orders in Colorado

Who qualifies for a civil protection order

Colorado's civil protection order law covers more than domestic-only statutes in some states. It applies to domestic abuse between people who are or were married, related, living together, dating, or share a child. It also covers stalking and certain sexual assault or unlawful sexual contact cases, no matter the relationship between the parties. The qualifying grounds differ based on whether the case involves domestic abuse, stalking, or assault. When filling out the petition, identify which category applies.

Temporary orders and the permanent hearing

A Colorado court can issue a temporary civil protection order the same day the petition is filed, without notifying the respondent. To get one, you must show an immediate and present danger. The temporary order sets a hearing date, usually within two weeks, where the respondent can appear and contest it. If the judge finds grounds for protection at that hearing, the order can become permanent. A permanent order does not expire automatically.

Hearing scheduling varies somewhat by judicial district. Confirm the exact hearing date and any local paperwork with the district or county court clerk.

Filing cost and where to file

Colorado charges no filing fee for a civil protection order based on domestic abuse. Other categories, like stalking, are also generally filed without a fee. You can file in the county or district court where you live, where the respondent lives, or where the abuse occurred. The Colorado Judicial Branch offers self-help information and forms for filing without an attorney.

Firearms provisions

Colorado law requires a respondent in a permanent civil protection order involving domestic abuse to give up firearms while the order is active. A court can impose the same requirement in a temporary order. Federal law separately restricts firearm possession for anyone subject to certain qualifying domestic violence protective orders. Violating a Colorado protection order is a crime.

How protection orders interact with divorce and custody

A civil protection order in Colorado is a separate case from a divorce or allocation of parental responsibilities case. You do not need either one open to request protection. The protection order can still set temporary terms for contact involving shared children while it is active. If a divorce or parenting-responsibilities case already exists, the court can coordinate the protection order case with it so the terms stay consistent.