Colorado Protection Order Paperwork Explained
If you were served with protection order paperwork in Colorado, the documents you received usually include a Temporary Civil Protection Order and a notice of a court hearing. These forms explain the restrictions imposed by the judge and the date when the court will decide whether the order should become permanent.
Understanding what each section of the paperwork means can help you prepare for the hearing and avoid unintentionally violating the order.
Example of Colorado Protection Order Paperwork
The document below is the standard JDF 398 Temporary Civil Protection Order and Citation used by Colorado courts when issuing a temporary protection order.
You can review the full official form through the Colorado Judicial Branch here:
Colorado Judicial Branch – JDF 398 Temporary Civil Protection Order
What Protection Order Paperwork Usually Includes
Protection order paperwork issued by Colorado courts typically contains several important sections:
- The temporary protection order issued by the judge
- The scheduled hearing date
- Restrictions on contact with the protected person
- Instructions regarding firearms
- Information about the upcoming court hearing
These documents are usually served by law enforcement or another authorized process server.
Restrictions Listed in the Protection Order
The protection order paperwork also lists the restrictions imposed by the court while the temporary order is in effect.
Common restrictions include:
- No direct or indirect contact with the protected person
- Staying away from certain addresses or locations
- Avoiding communication through third parties
- Possible firearm relinquishment requirements
The section below shows an example of the restriction language that appears in the Colorado temporary protection order form.
This section of the order typically prohibits the restrained person from contacting, threatening, harassing, intimidating, touching, stalking, abusing, or molesting the protected person. It may also prohibit attempts to contact the protected person through another person except through an attorney.
It is important to read these restrictions carefully. Even accidental violations may result in criminal charges.
You can learn more about the consequences on our page explaining
violating a protection order in Colorado.
Firearm Relinquishment Language
Some protection order paperwork includes instructions regarding firearms and ammunition. In certain cases, the court may require the restrained person to relinquish firearms while the protection order is in effect.
The section below shows the firearm relinquishment language from the Colorado protection order form.
The form explains the deadline for relinquishing firearms and ammunition and may require the restrained person to file an affidavit confirming compliance with the court.
Preparing for the Protection Order Hearing
After receiving the paperwork, the next step is preparing for the protection order hearing.
This often involves gathering evidence such as:
- Text messages
- Emails
- Photographs
- Witness testimony
- Other relevant documents
You can read more about the hearing process on our page explaining
how to prepare for a protection order hearing.
Common Questions About Protection Order Paperwork
Who serves protection order paperwork?
Protection order paperwork is usually served by law enforcement officers or another authorized process server.
What happens after the paperwork is served?
The respondent must follow the restrictions listed in the temporary protection order until the court holds a hearing and decides whether the order should remain in place.
Can the protection order be dismissed?
Yes. At the hearing, the judge will determine whether the order should remain in place or be dismissed.
