The Basics of Connecticut Restraining Orders

When a family member, intimate partner, or roommate threatens your well-being, you need fast, decisive protection. At The Law Firm of Sol Mahoney, our family law attorney helps clients in the Fairfield, CT area secure the legal safeguards they deserve—whether that means filing for a family-court restraining order or ensuring that a criminal protective order remains in force.

What Is a Restraining Order in Connecticut?

A restraining order is a civil order issued by the family court that directs an abuser to:

• Stay away from you (home, workplace, or anywhere you frequent)
• Stop all acts of physical violence, threats, stalking, or harassment
• Cease controlling or monitoring your movements, communications, or finances
• Refrain from intimidation tactics such as threatening immigration status, harming pets, or releasing private images

Because restraining orders come through family court, they can last longer than criminal-court protective orders and can extend their shield to children or other household members.

Protective Order vs. Restraining Order—Key Differences

Protective Order (Criminal Court) Vs  Restraining Order (Family Court)

• Issued automatically after an arrest for domestic violence, assault, stalking, or related crimes  |   Requested by the victim (or a parent/guardian) without any arrest being necessary

• Remains in effect only while the criminal case is pending   |  Can last for months or years—renewable if danger continues

• May not cover children or other relatives  |  Can protect spouses, ex-spouses, dating partners, children, elders, and co-habitants

• Violations lead to criminal contempt charges   |   Violations also trigger criminal penalties, plus potential civil remedies

Already have a criminal protective order? You can still petition the family court for a restraining order that offers broader, longer-term protection.

Who Can Request a Connecticut Restraining Order?

You’re eligible if you are suffering—or reasonably fear—abuse from:

• A current or former spouse
• A parent, child, grandparent, sibling, or in-law
• Someone you live with now or lived with in the past
• The other parent of your child (married or not)
• A person with whom you have or had a dating relationship
• A caregiver providing in-home assistance to a person aged 60+

How Our Family Law Firm Can Help

1.  Strategic Petition Preparation

We draft clear, persuasive affidavits that highlight the full scope of abuse—physical, emotional, financial, or digital—maximizing your chance of immediate relief.

2.          Emergency Ex-Parte Orders

In urgent situations, we can request same-day ex-parte orders that take effect before the abuser is even served.

3.          Court Representation

From the first hearing through final judgment, attorney Sol Mahoney argues forcefully for stringent, enforceable terms that keep you and your family safe.

4.          Order Enforcement & Renewal

If the respondent violates the order—or if the expiration date is approaching—we move quickly to enforce, extend, or modify the protections you need.

Why Choose The Law Firm of Sol Mahoney?

• Focused Experience: Our family law attorney has decades of dedicated practice in Connecticut family-court and criminal-court proceedings.
• Local Advantage: Knowledge of judges, clerks, and courtroom procedures in the Fairfield, Stamford, and Westport, CT area accelerates results.
• Full-Spectrum Advocacy: We coordinate with counselors, shelters, and financial-planning professionals to support every aspect of your recovery.
• Relentless Protection: One call activates a team committed to guarding your future 24/7.



Take Action Today

Abuse escalates—the sooner you act, the safer you are. Let our Connecticut family lawyer guide you through every step, from emergency filings to long-term peace of mind.

📞 Call (203) 555-SOL1 or contact us online for a confidential consultation.