Restraining Order Lawyer in Union County, New Jersey
A restraining order in Union 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, Union Vicinage.
Understanding Restraining Orders in New Jersey
In New Jersey, a restraining order is a civil order issued by a judge to protect a victim of domestic violence. The legal authority comes from the New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, codified at N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17 through 2C:25-35. This law defines domestic violence and establishes the procedures for obtaining a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and a Final Restraining Order (FRO). A TRO can be granted on an emergency basis, while an FRO is issued after a full hearing where both parties can present evidence. The purpose is to prevent further abuse by imposing restrictions on the defendant, such as prohibiting contact, requiring them to leave a shared residence, or surrendering firearms.
Last verified: March 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the law, refer to the New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17) on the official state legislature website. For local court procedures and forms, visit the Union Vicinage website.
The Process for a Restraining Order in Union County
Filing for a restraining order in Union County involves specific steps at the Superior Court in Elizabeth. The process is designed to be accessible to victims, but having a lawyer can ensure your rights are fully protected and the petition is properly presented. A protective order petition lawyer in Union County can guide you through gathering evidence, completing forms, and preparing for the final hearing.
- File for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO): Go to the Superior Court, Family Division, at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth during business hours, or contact local police after hours. You will complete a complaint and sworn statement detailing the domestic violence incident.
- TRO Hearing: A judge will review your petition ex parte (without the other party present). If granted, the TRO is effective immediately and law enforcement will serve it on the defendant.
- Final Restraining Order (FRO) Hearing: A hearing is typically scheduled within 10 days. Both you and the defendant must appear. This is your opportunity to present evidence, call witnesses, and testify.
- Court’s Decision: The judge will decide whether to issue a Final Restraining Order, which can last indefinitely. The judge will also decide on related issues like temporary custody, support, and possession of the home.
- Post-Hearing Actions: If an FRO is granted, ensure it is registered with local police. If you wish to modify or dismiss the order later, you must file a formal motion with the court.
Potential Consequences of a Restraining Order
In Union County, a Final Restraining Order carries significant, long-term consequences for the defendant, including loss of firearm rights, potential impact on child custody, and restrictions on where they can live and work.
| Order Type | Legal Status | Duration | Primary Consequences | Additional Impacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) | Emergency Civil Order | Until FRO Hearing (≈10 days) | Immediate no-contact; may vacate home; surrender firearms. | Served by police; sets stage for final hearing. |
| Final Restraining Order (FRO) | Permanent Civil Order | Indefinite (until dismissed by court) | Permanent no-contact; listed in central registry; permanent firearm ban. | Affects employment (security, teaching); impacts divorce/custody cases; violation is a crime. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Restraining Order Case
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys combine over 120 years of legal experience. We have a deep understanding of the sensitive and urgent nature of domestic violence cases. We approach each case with the care it requires, whether we are helping a victim secure safety or defending someone against an unjust allegation.
Our Approach to Restraining Order Cases
Our firm has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. While specific local results vary, our systematic approach is applied to every case. We immediately work to understand the full context, gather necessary evidence, and develop a strategy focused on protecting your rights and achieving a just resolution, whether that means obtaining a necessary order or challenging an unfounded one.
Local Service for Union County Residents
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) 651-0900
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at the Union County courts in Elizabeth. We are accessible via the NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, Route 22, and I-78. If you need a restraining order lawyer near Union County or a no-contact order lawyer in Union County, we are here to help. We serve communities throughout the county, including Elizabeth, Union Township, Plainfield, Westfield, Scotch Plains, Cranford, Summit, Linden, Rahway, Clark, Roselle, and Springfield. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings available by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a TRO and an FRO in New Jersey?
Yes. A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is an emergency order granted without a full hearing, lasting about 10 days until a final hearing. A Final Restraining Order (FRO) is issued after a court hearing where both sides present evidence and can last indefinitely unless dismissed by a judge.
Can I get a restraining order against someone I don’t live with?
It depends. New Jersey’s domestic violence law covers a range of relationships, including current or former household members, dating partners, or someone with whom you have a child. If the person does not fit a defined category, you may need to explore other legal options, like a civil harassment order.
What happens if someone violates a restraining order in NJ?
No. Violating a Final Restraining Order is a criminal offense in New Jersey. It can be charged as contempt of court, which is a disorderly persons offense, or as a more serious indictable crime (felony) if the violation involves a new act of domestic violence. Police are required to arrest the defendant if there is probable cause for a violation.
How can a lawyer help if I’m accused of domestic violence?
A lawyer is essential for defending against a restraining order. They can challenge insufficient evidence, protect your rights at the hearing, cross-examine witnesses, and present your side of the story. An experienced attorney can also negotiate for a mutual dismissal or less restrictive terms if appropriate.
Where do I file for a restraining order in Union County?
You file at the Superior Court of New Jersey, Family Division, Union Vicinage, located at 2 Broad Street in Elizabeth, NJ. You can go there during business hours (Mon-Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM) or contact local police after hours to initiate the process.
Related Pages: For other legal needs, see our pages on Criminal Defense in Union County and Family Law in Union County. Learn more about our firm-wide practice on our New Jersey Criminal Defense hub.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.
New Jersey law governs this practice area.
Your case in Union County, New Jersey
Divorce, custody, support and domestic-violence matters are heard in the Family Part of the Chancery Division. In Union County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Union Vicinage (12th Vicinage), 2 Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07207, telephone (908) 787-1650, 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 Union 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: Union County NJ lawyers directory · Restraining Order Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Restraining Order Lawyer Middlesex County, NJ · Restraining Order Lawyer Essex County, NJ.