English
EspañolAm I eligible for an order of protection?
Any adult who has been a victim of domestic or family violence committed by a family or household member may file a petition asking the Superior Court for protection.1
If you are a minor, you may need a parent, guardian or other representative to file for an order of protection on your behalf. 2 You may want to contact a domestic violence program for more information about how to get an order if you are a minor. Go to our CNMI Advocates and Shelters page to find a program.
Note: A judge can issue mutual orders of protection to opposing parties if s/he thinks that it is in the best interest of the parties to do so.3
1 8 CMC § 1911(a)
2 8 CMC § 1911(b)
3 8 CMC § 1920
Can I get an order of protection against a same-sex partner?
In the CNMI, you may apply for an order of protection against a current or former same-sex partner as long as the relationship meets the requirements listed in Am I eligible for an order of protection? You must also be the victim of an act of domestic or family violence, which is explained in What is the legal definition of domestic or family violence in the CNMI?
How much does it cost to get an order of protection? Do I need a lawyer?
There is no fee to file for an order of protection and you do not need an attorney.1 However, you may want to hire an attorney, especially if the abuser has one. Go to our CNMI Finding a Lawyer page for legal referrals.
If you do hire an attorney, the judge may order the abuser to pay your reasonable attorney’s fees.2
1 See the list of filing fees on the NMI Judiciary website, page 17, “Violence Against Women Act of 1998 (VAWA) cases”
2 8 CMC § 1916(c)(5)
