Federal & State Lawfederalstatelaw.com
Back to Questions
familyAZ

How do I get a restraining order in Arizona?

Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: 2026-05-18

Arizona uses 'Order of Protection' for domestic relationships and 'Injunction Against Harassment' for everyone else.

1. Types of Protective Orders

  • Order of Protection (OOP) — A.R.S. § 13-3602.
  • Injunction Against Harassment (IAH) — A.R.S. § 12-1809 (no relationship required).
  • Injunction Against Workplace Harassment — A.R.S. § 12-1810.
  • Emergency Order of Protection (EOP) — A.R.S. § 13-3624 (issued by judge or via phone after hours).
  • Severe Threat Order of Protection — proposed but not enacted (no red-flag law in AZ).

    • 2. Eligibility

    OOP requires qualifying relationship under § 13-3601: marriage/former marriage, residing/formerly residing together, parent of common child, related by blood/court order, pregnancy by defendant, or romantic/sexual relationship. IAH requires no relationship — for harassment by neighbors, strangers, coworkers.

    3. Filing

    File in any municipal, justice, or superior court. No filing or service fee for OOP (§ 13-3602(A)). Statewide forms via Arizona Judicial Branch (azcourts.gov). AZPOINT online petition system available.

    4. Emergency / Ex Parte

    Issued same day on showing of "reasonable cause to believe" defendant committed an act of domestic violence within preceding year (§ 13-3602(E)) or threats establish ongoing danger. Emergency OOP via § 13-3624 available 24/7 through on-call judge.

    5. Hearing (Only If Defendant Requests)

    Defendant has 10 business days after service to request a hearing (§ 13-3602(I)); held within 10 days (5 if exclusive use of residence ordered). Preponderance standard. Both parties present testimony and evidence.

    6. Permanent Order Duration

    Order is effective for 2 years from date of service on defendant (§ 13-3602(K)); not automatically renewed.

    7. Enforcement

    Violation is Class 1 misdemeanor under § 13-2810 / § 13-3602(N) (interfering with judicial proceedings; up to 6 months jail, $2,500 fine); may be charged as felony aggravated DV under § 13-3601.02 if prior convictions. Officers shall arrest on probable cause (§ 13-3601(B)). Firearm surrender under § 13-3602(G)(4); federal prohibition under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(8).

    8. Modification / Quashing

    Either party may motion to modify or quash under § 13-3602(K); court reviews safety and changed circumstances.

    This is legal information, not legal advice.

    When to Talk to a Lawyer
    • Defendant has requested a contested hearing
    • Exclusive use of the residence is being decided
    • CCW permit or law-enforcement firearm carry is at risk
    Related Statutes & Laws
    • A.R.S. § 13-3602
    • A.R.S. § 12-1809
    • A.R.S. § 12-1810
    • A.R.S. § 13-3624
    • 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(8)

    This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.