Respond to elder or dependent adult abuse restraining orders
- "Respond" means to let the judge and the other side know whether you agree or disagree with the request for restraining order, and why.
- If you want to respond in writing, you can complete a form and turn it in to the court. Responding in writing is optional and there is no penalty if you don't.
️ All court form links open in a new tab.
Before you start
️ Anything you put in your papers could be used against you in a criminal case. Talk to a lawyer if you have any concerns.
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If you don't have a lawyer, you may be able to get free help from your local court's self-help center ️.
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Hire a lawyer ️ to help you with all or a part of your case. It’s possible to go through this process without a lawyer. But, having a restraining order against you may have a lot of consequences, and you may want to hire a lawyer.
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Read How Can I Respond to a Request for Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse Restraining Orders? (form EA-120-INFO) for more information about protecting your rights.
How to respond to a request for restraining orders
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Fill out the Response form (EA-120)
- Fill out the form, called Response to Request for Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse Restraining Orders (form EA-120)
- Attach a copy of any evidence you have (pictures, text messages). If you need more time to put together evidence, you can let the judge know at your hearing (court date).
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Make copies of your forms
- After you’ve filled out and signed the Response (form EA-120), make 2 copies.
- You'll need the 2 copies, plus the original, when you file with the court.
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File your forms
File your forms:
- In person at the courthouse:
- Take your original and 2 copies to the courthouse listed on the papers you were served.
- At the courthouse, you’ll give all copies to the court clerk.
- The clerk will keep the original, stamp your copies, and return the copies to you. One copy is for your records. The other copy is for the other side.
- Online: You can file your papers online (called e-filing). Go to your court website to find out how to e-file.
There is no fee to file your Response (form EA-120).
- In person at the courthouse:
What's next?
Once you’ve completed and filed your forms, you'll need to have a copy mailed to the other side. You will need to find another adult to do this for you.