Our Columbus Attorney Answers Common Questions About Civil Protection Orders In Ohio
Last updated on September 28, 2026
When you are dealing with domestic violence, protecting yourself and your family is the first priority. You may also need to think about your home, children and finances while deciding what to do next. For 40 years, Gregg R. Lewis, ESQ., has served clients in Columbus from our office in German Village.
Civil protection orders (CPO) are civil remedies designed to protect victims of domestic violence. At Gregg R. Lewis, ESQ., in Columbus, Ohio, we are prepared to take immediate action to help survivors of domestic abuse obtain the protections offered by these orders.
How A CPO Impacts Your Divorce And Custody Case
A CPO can affect much more than your immediate safety. In a divorce or custody case, the court may give you exclusive use of the marital home, even if you and your spouse own or lease the property together. The order may also address temporary custody and parenting time. In some circumstances, it can require the other party to provide financial support.
For homeowners and business owners, these orders can also affect property, finances and day-to-day responsibilities. Understanding how a CPO fits into your broader family law case can help you prepare for what comes next.
Experienced Representation For Complex Hearings
CPO hearings often move quickly, leaving little time to prepare. Attorney Gregg R. Lewis draws on extensive trial experience, including his work as a former assistant prosecutor. He understands the rules of evidence and knows how to present your position in court while keeping expectations realistic.
These hearings can be stressful, especially when the outcome may affect your home, children or finances. We take the time to explain what to expect, prepare you for the hearing and address the issues that matter most to your case. With [NAP], we try to make a painful process as painless as possible.
What You Should Know About Civil Protection Orders In Ohio
People often have questions about how civil protection orders work. Below, we have provided answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. If you have additional questions, we encourage you to reach out to us at any time. We offer a free and confidential initial consultation.
Are Civil Protection Orders The Same As Restraining Orders?
No. Technically, a temporary restraining order is an order issued during a divorce to prevent spouses from taking certain actions while the divorce is pending. However, the term “restraining order” is commonly used as a generic term to refer to all orders of protection. Some people may refer to civil protection orders as “restraining orders” or “protective orders” or other terms. Regardless of terminology, the important thing is that a CPO offers legal protections for domestic abuse survivors.
Are There Different Types Of Protection Orders?
Yes, there are several types of protection orders. A civil protection order is issued by the domestic relations court to protect against domestic violence. It is not contingent on filing criminal charges or a criminal conviction. Stalking victims may also request a civil stalking or sexually orientated offense protection order (SSOOPO) from the common pleas court.
If there are criminal charges against the abuser, the criminal court may grant a domestic violence temporary protection order (DVTPO) or a criminal protection order (CRPO).
Victims may get both a civil and a criminal protection order. Civil protection orders typically last longer, as the criminal protection orders only last as long as the charges are pending.
How Do I Obtain A Civil Protection Order?
Judges issue civil protection orders upon request from the victim of domestic violence. The request is made in the form of filing a petition with the court. This may be completed online.
CPOs are not just for people who have been physically abused. Domestic violence can come in many forms. In addition to physical abuse, it may come in the form of destruction to property, stalking, harassing or trespassing. The protection order can be issued in an emergency or after a hearing. An attorney can guide you through the process of getting a civil protection order.
What Is The Required Relationship?
Under Ohio law, a person can file a civil protection order against a spouse or ex-spouse, family member, the other parent of your child or children, someone you are dating or formerly dated or someone in your household or who has lived in your home.
How Long Does A Civil Protection Order Last?
A civil protection order can run up to five years. In some cases, they may be renewed. Temporary protection orders, or ex parte orders, run for a shorter period of time. However, ex parte orders are typically a stop gap to protect a domestic violence victim prior to a hearing to grant a full protection order.
What Can A Civil Protection Order Do?
Ultimately, these protection orders are designed to prevent further instances of domestic abuse. They can prevent the abuser from contacting the victim. They can require the abuser to keep a certain distance from the victim. This means staying out of the victim’s home, workplace, school, business or other locations. The order also could include an eviction of the abuser from the home or award temporary child custody to the domestic violence victim. A court order also could say that the abuser must seek counseling.
Schedule A Free Consultation With A Lawyer
Contact our law firm, Gregg R. Lewis, ESQ., at 614-721-6175 or through email to schedule a free consultation with attorney Gregg Lewis. We will take fast action to help you get all the protections offered under the law. We can also assist you with divorce or other family law matters. Our office is located near the courthouse in the heart of German Village in Columbus.