455.045. Temporary relief available — ex parte orders.
Courts can issue emergency protection orders to keep you safe right away.
This law explains what kinds of temporary protections (called ex parte orders) a court can give to someone who is in danger from domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault — even before a full hearing is held.
1. A judge can issue an ex parte order to protect the petitioner from abuse. This order can include:
- (1) Stopping the respondent from hurting, threatening, stalking, or disturbing the petitioner’s peace
- (2) Barring the respondent from entering the petitioner’s home if it is:
- (a) Jointly owned, rented, or lived in by both parties
- (b) Solely owned, rented, or lived in by the petitioner
- (c) Jointly owned or rented by the petitioner and someone other than the respondent
- (d) Jointly lived in by the petitioner and someone else (but the respondent has no legal claim to the home)
- (3) Preventing the respondent from contacting the petitioner in any way
- (4) Granting temporary custody of children if needed
- (5) Granting temporary possession of pets if needed
Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to talk with a Missouri order of protection defense attorney.
