§ 455.520 – Temporary Ex Parte Child Protection Orders in Missouri

Posted by Christopher Combs on July 18, 2025

455.520. Temporary relief available — ex parte orders.

This law lets judges give quick protection orders to keep victims safe from abuse or threats.

A court can give a fast, temporary order to protect someone from abuse, stalking, sexual assault, or danger to a pet. This order can include rules to help keep the victim safe.

1. A temporary protection order can include any rules the judge thinks are needed to keep the victim safe, such as:

(1) Stopping the abuser from hurting, threatening, stalking, assaulting, or harassing the victim;
(2) Not letting the abuser enter the victim’s home unless the court says it’s okay;
(3) Banning the abuser from contacting the victim in any way unless allowed by the court;
(4) Giving temporary custody of children to the victim;
(5) Giving temporary possession of pets to the victim if needed.

2. The court cannot order the abuser to leave the family home unless all of these are true:

(1) It is best for the children who still live in the home;
(2) The claims of abuse show a serious risk to the children if the abuser stays;
(3) Another adult in the home can take care of the children if the abuser is removed.

View the full statute here