Reviewed August 2026
Protective Orders in Missouri
Call 911 if you're in immediate danger. The National Domestic Violence Hotline number is 1-800-799-7233. In Missouri, the civil protection order is called an Order of Protection, and the Adult Abuse Act, Missouri Revised Statutes 455.010 and following, sets the rules for it. Family or household members, current or former spouses, and co-parents who have been abused can petition the circuit court for one. Filing costs nothing. When danger is immediate, a Missouri court can issue an ex parte order the same day. After a hearing, a full 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 Missouri law for people researching before they file. It is not legal advice, and Virdix does not prepare or file Missouri paperwork. See how Virdix works for California divorces.
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Who qualifies for an Order of Protection
The Adult Abuse Act defines family or household members broadly for Missouri. Current and former spouses qualify, along with people related by blood or marriage. So do people who live together now or lived together in the past. A shared child or a current or former dating relationship also qualifies someone. If none of these connections apply, Missouri's separate stalking order of protection is the option instead, since it does not require a family or household tie.
Ex parte orders and the full hearing
Showing immediate danger lets a petitioner get an ex parte Order of Protection the same day, and the respondent doesn't need to be present. Once served, that order takes effect and stays active until the full hearing happens. Missouri law generally sets that hearing for about 15 days after the ex parte order issues. Up to a year is how long a full Order of Protection can last in Missouri, with renewal available.
The circuit court's own calendar determines the exact hearing date. Check with the circuit clerk in the filing county to confirm the date and any local paperwork required.
Filing is free, and where to file
No filing fee applies to an Order of Protection petition in Missouri. County circuit courts accept these petitions where the petitioner lives, where the respondent lives, or where the abuse took place. Standard petition forms are available through Missouri courts, so filing without an attorney is possible.
Firearms provisions
While a full Order of Protection is in effect, Missouri courts can order the respondent to give up firearm possession. Separately, federal law restricts firearm possession for anyone subject to certain qualifying domestic violence protective orders. Arrest can follow if a respondent violates a Missouri Order of Protection, since doing so is a criminal offense.
Orders of Protection and divorce or custody cases
A divorce or custody case and an Order of Protection case run separately in Missouri. Neither needs to be open for a petitioner to request an order. Temporary custody and visitation terms for shared children can still be set by the order while it's active. Notify that court about the Order of Protection if a divorce or custody case is already open, so both cases stay consistent.
Sources: Missouri Revised Statutes 455.010 (Adult Abuse Act), Office of the Revisor of Statutes, Missouri Courts, Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
Not independently confirmed
- MOCADSV states it is not itself a 24-hour crisis service provider and directs callers to the National Domestic Violence Hotline and local member programs; this page uses the national number only.
- Exact hearing scheduling window can vary by circuit; confirm with the filing court clerk.
Protective Orders in Missouri: frequently asked questions
What is an Order of Protection in Missouri?+
Under the Adult Abuse Act, RSMo 455.010 and following, this is Missouri's civil protective order. Spouses, family and household members, co-parents, and current or former dating partners can use it, and while active, it can order no contact.
Where do I file for an Order of Protection in Missouri?+
File in the circuit court of the county where you live, where the respondent lives, or where the abuse happened. The petition forms needed to file without an attorney come from Missouri courts.
Does it cost money to file in Missouri?+
No. Missouri charges no filing fee for an Order of Protection petition.
How fast can I get protection in Missouri?+
Show immediate danger, and a judge can grant an ex parte order the same day without notifying the other person first. A full hearing generally follows within about 15 days of that ex parte order, per Missouri court scheduling.
How long does an Order of Protection last in Missouri?+
Up to a year is the typical length for a full Order of Protection issued after a hearing in Missouri. Renewal is available if the petitioner still needs protection when it's set to expire.
Can an Order of Protection affect custody in Missouri?+
Yes. Temporary custody and visitation terms for shared children can be included, even without a separate custody case open. Tell that court about the Order of Protection if a divorce or custody case already exists.
This page is general information about protective orders in Missouri, not legal advice for your situation. Laws, fees, and procedures change over time; confirm current details with Missouri's own courts before relying on anything here. Virdix is not a law firm and is not licensed to practice law in Missouri. Virdix does not prepare or file Missouri divorce paperwork. It is not a substitute for an attorney licensed in Missouri.
More Missouri 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 Missouri, 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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