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Legal Information: Rhode Island

Restraining Orders

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Laws current as of July 19, 2024

Can a minor file for a restraining order?

The law says the following people can apply for a restraining order in family court:

  • a person who is the victim of domestic abuse or sexual exploitation;
  • a parent, custodian, or legal guardian filing for a minor child; and
  • someone from the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) if a child is in DCYF custody.1

It doesn’t specify how old a person has to be to file on his/her own. If you are a minor and want to file without your parent, custodian, or guardian, you could try to talk to a lawyer at a free legal services organization to get advice. 

1 R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 15-15-3(a)

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