Restraining Orders

Review the injunction before you leave the courthouse.  If something is wrong or missing, you might be able to present your concerns to the judge at that time.  If you notice an error after you leave the courtroom or the courthouse, you may want to file legal papers called a “motion for clarification.” You may want to consult with an attorney for help with this.

• The clerk of court will give you at least two certified copies of the injunction.  You may want to make several more copies of the injunction as soon as possible.
• Keep a copy of the injunction with you at all times.
• Leave copies of the injunction at your work place, at your home, at the children's school or daycare, in your car, with a sympathetic neighbor, and so on.
• Give a copy to the security guard or person at the front desk where you live and/or work along with a photo of the stalker.
• Give a copy of the injunction to anyone who is named in and protected by the order.
• If the court has not given you an extra copy for your local law enforcement agency, take one of your extra copies and deliver it to them.
• You may wish to consider changing your locks and your phone number if permitted by law.
• Be aware of your safety while leaving the courthouse.  If you are concerned that the stalker may try to approach you, contact a court officer to see if you can be accompanied to your car.

Ongoing safety planning is important after receiving the injunction.  People can do a number of things to increase their safety during violent incidents, and when they are at home, work, and school.  Many stalkers obey injunctions, but some do not and it is important to build on the things you have already been doing to keep yourself safe.  View our Safety Tips for Stalking Victims page for some suggestions.  Advocates at local resource centers can assist you in designing a safety plan and can provide other forms of support.  For a list of domestic violence centers, see our FL Advocates and Shelters page - some of them may assist stalking victims even if the stalking is not part of an intimate relationship.