Restraining Order Lawyer in Bergen County, New Jersey
A restraining order in Bergen County is a court order issued under the New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17 et seq.) to protect victims from abuse. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides immediate legal assistance for obtaining or defending against these orders in the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Understanding Restraining Orders in New Jersey
A restraining order, also known as a protective order, is a civil court order designed to prevent further acts of domestic violence. In New Jersey, the legal authority for these orders is the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, codified at N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17 et seq. The Act defines domestic violence to include offenses such as harassment, assault, stalking, and terroristic threats when committed by a person with a specific domestic relationship to the victim. A restraining order lawyer Bergen County can explain that these relationships include spouses, former spouses, household members, dating partners, or persons who have a child in common. The primary purpose of the order is to provide immediate protection by legally mandating that the defendant cease all contact and stay away from the victim, their home, workplace, and school.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has over 120 years of combined legal experience. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating a deep commitment to shaping family and protective law.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the law, refer to the New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17) on the state legislature’s website. For local court procedures and forms, visit the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage website.
The Process for a Restraining Order in Bergen County
In Bergen County, the process for a protective order petition begins at the Superior Court in Hackensack. The court is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM for filing. Our experience shows that judges in this vicinage carefully weigh the petitioner’s sworn testimony and any evidence of prior incidents when deciding whether to grant a temporary restraining order (TRO).
- File a Complaint: Go to the Family Division of the Superior Court in Hackensack to complete a domestic violence complaint and request a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO).
- Judge’s Review: A judge will review your petition and any evidence ex parte (without the other party present) to determine if a TRO is warranted for immediate protection.
- Service of the TRO: If granted, law enforcement will serve the TRO on the defendant, which is effective immediately.
- Final Hearing: A final hearing is typically scheduled within 10 days. Both parties may present evidence and testimony before a judge makes a final determination on a Final Restraining Order (FRO).
Potential Consequences of a Restraining Order
In Bergen County, a Final Restraining Order (FRO) imposes permanent, court-enforced restrictions on contact and proximity, with violations potentially skilled to criminal contempt charges.
| Order Type | Duration | Key Restrictions | Consequences of Violation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) | Until Final Hearing (approx. 10 days) | No contact, stay away from petitioner’s home/work. | Arrest for contempt. |
| Final Restraining Order (FRO) | Permanent (can be modified/vacated) | All TRO terms; may include weapon surrender, parenting time limits. | Criminal contempt (up to 18 months jail, fines). |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. While specific local counts are proprietary, our team brings extensive experience in domestic violence and protective order proceedings. For instance, our attorneys have successfully defended against improperly filed petitions and have secured necessary protections for victims. A protective order petition lawyer Bergen County relies on understands that each case requires a case-specific approach based on the unique facts and evidence presented.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-3900
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at Bergen County courts. We represent individuals in Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst. For a restraining order lawyer near Bergen County, contact us for 24/7 phone consultations. Meetings are by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a TRO and an FRO in New Jersey?
A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is an immediate, short-term order granted without the defendant present. A Final Restraining Order (FRO) is permanent, issued after a hearing where both sides can present evidence. An FRO can only be removed by a court order.
Can I get a restraining order against someone I dated but never lived with?
Yes. New Jersey’s Prevention of Domestic Violence Act covers “any person who is a present or former household member” and also includes those in a dating relationship, regardless of whether they cohabitated.
What happens if a no-contact order is violated in Bergen County?
Violating a no-contact order is a criminal contempt charge, prosecuted as a disorderly persons offense or indictable crime depending on severity. Penalties can include jail time, fines, and probation. The police should be contacted immediately to report the violation.
How long does a final restraining order last in NJ?
A Final Restraining Order (FRO) in New Jersey is permanent. It remains in effect until either party successfully petitions the court to dismiss or modify it, which requires a showing of good cause.
What evidence do I need for a protective order petition?
Evidence can include police reports, medical records, photographs of injuries, threatening messages (texts, emails, social media), and witness statements. A protective order petition lawyer Bergen County can help you gather and present this evidence effectively to the court.
For more information, see our pages on New Jersey Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense in Morris County, and Family Law in Bergen County.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws and procedures can change. For current guidance on restraining orders, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Bergen County questions and answers
What is the difference between a temporary and a final restraining order in Bergen County?
A temporary restraining order is issued in Hackensack on the plaintiff's statement alone and lasts until the final hearing. A final restraining order is entered only after a hearing at which the judge finds that an act of domestic violence occurred and that protection is needed, and it does not expire on its own. Mr. Sris and the firm's Of Counsel attorneys represent clients at both stages.
Can a final restraining order in Bergen County be dismissed later?
A defendant can apply to the Family Part in Hackensack to dissolve a final restraining order by showing good cause and a change in circumstances; the plaintiff can also request dismissal. The judge considers the plaintiff's consent, any continuing fear and the defendant's conduct since the order. The firm prepares these applications and the certifications the court expects.
What are the consequences of violating a restraining order in Bergen County?
Violating a restraining order is a criminal offense in New Jersey and can lead to arrest, charges under the Code of Criminal Justice, N.J.S.A. Title 2C, and jail. Even contact the plaintiff appears to invite can be charged. Anyone subject to an order in Bergen County should follow its terms exactly and seek a modification through the court rather than an informal arrangement. The firm defends contempt charges and seeks modifications where appropriate.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Divorce, custody, support and domestic-violence matters are heard in the Family Part of the Chancery Division. In Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is N.J.S.A. 2A:34-2 (grounds for divorce) and N.J.S.A. 9:2-4 (custody). Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Bergen County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · Restraining Order Lawyer Middlesex County, NJ · Restraining Order Lawyer Essex County, NJ · Restraining Order Lawyer Hudson County, NJ.