Reviewed August 2026
Protective Orders in Indiana
In Indiana, call 911 right away if you're in immediate danger. The National Domestic Violence Hotline number is 1-800-799-7233. Indiana's version of this civil order is called simply a protective order, authorized under the Civil Protection Order Act, Indiana Code 34-26-5. Family or household members, current or former spouses, and co-parents who have suffered abuse can petition the court. Filing costs nothing. When danger is immediate, an Indiana court can grant an ex parte protective order the same day. Once a hearing happens, the resulting order can bar contact, remove the respondent from a shared home, and set temporary custody terms for children the parties share.
Virdix's document-preparation product currently prepares divorce paperwork for California and Florida cases. This page explains how protective orders works under Indiana law for people researching before they file. It is not legal advice, and Virdix does not prepare or file Indiana paperwork. See how Virdix works for California divorces.
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Who qualifies for a protective order
The Civil Protection Order Act protects family or household members in Indiana. Current and former spouses qualify, along with people related by blood or marriage. So do people who live together now or lived together as a household in the past. A shared child or a current or former dating relationship also qualifies someone to petition. Separately, Indiana's statute lets a person seek a protective order based on stalking or a sex offense, even without any family or household connection.
Ex parte orders and the full hearing
Showing immediate and present danger lets a petitioner get an ex parte protective order the same day, before the respondent is even notified. Once served, that order takes effect and stays active until the full hearing takes place. If the respondent requests a hearing, Indiana law generally schedules it within about 30 days. After that hearing, a protective order in Indiana generally lasts up to two years and the court can extend it.
The court's calendar determines the exact hearing date. Check that date, plus any local paperwork requirements, with the clerk in the filing county.
Filing is free, and where to file
There's no filing fee for a protective order petition in Indiana. You file in the circuit or superior court of the county where you live, where the respondent lives, or where the abuse happened. Self-service resources from Indiana courts include the standard petition forms, so filing without a lawyer is possible.
Firearms provisions
A court in Indiana can order a respondent to surrender firearms for as long as a protective order stays in effect. Courts apply this especially when the order finds that domestic or family violence took place. Separately, federal law restricts firearm possession for anyone subject to certain qualifying domestic violence protective orders. Arrest can follow, since violating an Indiana protective order is a criminal offense.
Protective orders and divorce or custody cases
In Indiana, a protective order case runs separately from any divorce or custody case. You don't need either one open to request a protective order. While active, it can still set temporary custody and parenting time terms for children the parties share. When a divorce or custody case is already open, notify that court about the protective order, so the two cases stay consistent.
Sources: Indiana Code Title 34, Article 26, Chapter 5 (Civil Protection Order Act), Indiana General Assembly, Indiana Courts, Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Not independently confirmed
- ICADV does not itself run a direct-service crisis line and directs callers to local member programs; this page uses the National Domestic Violence Hotline number only.
- Exact hearing scheduling window if the respondent does not request a hearing; confirm with the filing court.
Protective Orders in Indiana: frequently asked questions
What is a protective order in Indiana?+
This is Indiana's civil protective order, created under the Civil Protection Order Act, Ind. Code 34-26-5. It covers spouses, family and household members, co-parents, current or former dating partners, and also applies in stalking and certain sex offense situations.
Where do I file for a protective order in Indiana?+
File in the circuit or superior court of the county where you live, where the respondent lives, or where the abuse happened. Indiana courts offer self-service resources with the petition forms you need to file without a lawyer.
Does it cost money to file in Indiana?+
No. Indiana does not charge any filing fee for a protective order petition.
How fast can I get protection in Indiana?+
If you show immediate and present danger, a judge can grant an ex parte protective order the same day, without notifying the other person first. Should the respondent request a hearing, it's generally scheduled within about 30 days.
How long does a protective order last in Indiana?+
A protective order issued after a hearing generally lasts up to two years in Indiana. The court can extend it if the petitioner still needs protection when it's set to expire.
Can a protective order affect custody in Indiana?+
Yes. A protective order can include temporary custody and parenting time terms for shared children, even without a separate custody case open. If a divorce or custody case already exists, let that court know about the protective order.
This page is general information about protective orders in Indiana, not legal advice for your situation. Laws, fees, and procedures change over time; confirm current details with Indiana's own courts before relying on anything here. Virdix is not a law firm and is not licensed to practice law in Indiana. Virdix does not prepare or file Indiana divorce paperwork. It is not a substitute for an attorney licensed in Indiana.
More Indiana divorce guides
Virdix currently serves California and Florida
In the states Virdix serves, it guides you through that state's own court forms so your paperwork is complete and consistent before you file. If you're filing in Indiana, the resources above are the right place to start, and the form above will tell you the moment Virdix reaches your state.
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