Who Is Eligible to Petition for a Protective Order in Louisiana?

Protective orders and petitions for protection from abuse (commonly referred to as “restraining orders”) are important legal tools available to individuals facing violence, threats, stalking, or harassment in Louisiana. Many people assume protective orders are only available to married couples or victims of physical violence, but Louisiana law protects a much broader group of people. If you are experiencing abuse, threatening behavior, or repeated unwanted contact, you may be eligible to seek court protection through a protective order, temporary restraining order (TRO), or Louisiana Protective Order Registry (LPOR) filing.



In Louisiana, protective orders may be available for current or former spouses, former dating partners, parents who share a child together, household members, family members, or individuals experiencing stalking or harassment. Courts in Orleans Parish, Jefferson Parish, and throughout South Louisiana frequently issue protective orders involving former romantic partners, co-parents, domestic violence situations, stalking, and threatening conduct. Even where there is no physical violence, repeated unwanted communication intended to threaten, intimidate, or harass someone may support relief under Louisiana’s stalking and protective order laws.

Protective orders are civil remedies designed to protect individuals from conduct that may also constitute criminal behavior. Depending on the circumstances, a court may issue a temporary restraining order or temporary protective order while the case is pending and later enter a longer-term protective order after a hearing. Relief can include no-contact orders, stay-away provisions, removal from a shared residence, temporary custody provisions, firearm restrictions, and other protective measures.

At Sternberg, Naccari & White, LLC, we represent clients seeking and defending protective orders in New Orleans, Metairie, Jefferson Parish, Orleans Parish, St. Bernard Parish, St. Tammany Parish, and throughout South Louisiana. Because courts have little tolerance for frivolous or unsupported protective order filings, it is important to present strong evidence and carefully evaluate whether legal grounds exist before filing.

To learn more or to schedule a free consultation regarding protective orders and restraining orders, contact Johnston at (504) 324-2141 or johnston@snw.law.