If you are looking for information about how to obtain a restraining order in Ocean County, New Jersey, you are most likely going through a stressful time and need answers quickly. The lawyers at William Proetta Criminal Law are available to assist you with obtaining a restraining order in Toms River, Brick, Lacey Township, Manchester, Point Pleasant, and surrounding communities in the Ocean County area. We are committed to helping you feel protected as soon as possible. The focus of this article is how to file a restraining order and the process surrounding temporary and final protective orders in New Jersey. Continue reading for additional information and please contact our office in Toms River today for a free consultation with an experienced domestic violence lawyer who can help. You can reach us online or by phone at (848) 238-2100.
How to Get a Restraining Order in Ocean County, New Jersey
When seeking a restraining order in Ocean County, NJ, here is some important information you should know:
You can file a temporary restraining order 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. From Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm, go to the Ocean County Courthouse located at 118 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08754. You can also file a restraining order in your local municipal court during normal court hours. At all other times (weekends, nights, etc.) and in the case of an emergency, go to the local police department where you live, in the town where the abuser resides, or in the municipality where the domestic violence offense occurred.
Remember to bring a valid ID for yourself and as much information as you can about the person you are seeking protection from, including their: name, address, phone number, place of employment, make and type of vehicle, and license plate number, if you have it available. If not, don’t worry. Just do the best you can.
A judge will review your application and decide if a temporary restraining order “TRO” should be issued. If you are successful in obtaining a temporary restraining order, that order will be in effect until you have your final restraining order hearing. Restraining order hearings are handled by the Ocean County Superior Court, located at 118 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08754. (This applies to normal restraining orders—not the temporary orders described above.) Your case will be heard by a judge in the Family Division of the Court. This is the division that handles domestic violence cases.
Can I File a Restraining Order?
To file for a restraining order, you must be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor. You must have been harassed, threatened, stalked, assaulted, or the victim of a “predicate act of domestic violence,” by the person you are seeking to obtain a restraining order against, and fear for your safety. In addition, you must have a domestic relationship to the person. This can include a: person over the age of 18 with whom you have had a dating relationship; blood relative; spouse; former spouse; person you cohabitate with; person you have cohabitated with in the past; person you have a child with; or person you are expecting a child with.
What Services Are Available for Victims of Domestic Violence in the Ocean County Area?
If you are a victim of domestic violence in Ocean County, NJ, the Providence House of Catholic Charities is an excellent resource for emergency housing and victim services. Providence House is located at 88 Schoolhouse Road, Suite 1, Whiting, NJ 08759 and can be reached through a 24-hour hotline at: 732-244-8259.
If you need crisis intervention or a referral for services, do not hesitate to contact New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-572-SAFE (7233). Someone is available at this number 24/7 to help victims of domestic violence.
Help Getting a Restraining Order in Ocean County, NJ
If you need assistance in filing for a restraining order, you do not need to go through the process alone. The experienced lawyers at William Proetta Criminal Law are here to help you. Our attorneys assist clients with each step of the process and we aggressively fight for your protection at final restraining order hearings in Ocean County Superior Court. For more information and a free, entirely confidential consultation, contact our office in Toms River now at (848) 238-2100.
