How to Get a Domestic Violence Order in Kentucky
Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team · Kentucky · Last updated September 17, 2026
In Kentucky, a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) is a civil court order that directs an abuser to stop the abuse and stay away from you. You usually reach it in two steps: first an Emergency Protective Order (EPO), then a DVO after a hearing, both issued under Kentucky Revised Statutes 403.715 to 403.785. You can seek one when a spouse or former spouse, a partner, a family member, or someone you live with has committed or threatened domestic violence and abuse. You start by filing a Petition/Motion for Order of Protection (Form AOC-275.1) with the Circuit Court Clerk; the case is heard in District Court, Circuit Court, or Family Court where one exists (KRS 403.725). There is no filing, service, or hearing fee for the petitioner (KRS 403.745). When the court reviews your petition and finds an immediate and present danger, it can issue an EPO the same day, without the other person present, and set a hearing not more than 14 days away (KRS 403.730). The EPO lasts until that hearing. At the hearing, a judge can grant a DVO that lasts up to three years and can be reissued for more three-year periods (KRS 403.740). For dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault, Kentucky uses an Interpersonal Protective Order under KRS Chapter 456. If you are in immediate danger, call 911; the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233. Attorney review of your petition is available through DocDraft.
Find out where you stand in Kentucky
Where are you in getting a restraining order?
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How do I get a domestic violence order in Kentucky?
File a Petition/Motion for Order of Protection (Form AOC-275.1) with the Circuit Court Clerk in the county where you live or fled for safety. There is no filing fee (KRS 403.745). The court reviews it immediately and can issue an emergency protective order the same day, then sets a hearing.
How long does an emergency protective order last in Kentucky?
An emergency protective order (EPO) is issued ex parte when the court finds an immediate and present danger of domestic violence. It stays in effect until the evidentiary hearing, which the court must set not more than fourteen days in the future (KRS 403.730). The judge can extend it if needed.
How long does a domestic violence order last in Kentucky?
After the hearing, a judge can issue a domestic violence order (DVO) that is effective for a period fixed by the court, not to exceed three years (KRS 403.740). It may be reissued upon expiration for subsequent periods of up to three years each, so you can ask the court to renew it.
Which court handles domestic violence orders in Kentucky?
You file in the District Court or Circuit Court, which share jurisdiction, unless a Family Court has been established in your county, where the petition must go instead (KRS 403.725). You can file in the county where you live or a county you fled to for safety. The Circuit Court Clerk provides the forms.
Kentucky domestic violence order law at a glance
In Kentucky, a Domestic Violence Order (DVO) is a civil court order that tells an abuser to stop the abuse, have no contact, and stay away from you, issued under Kentucky Revised Statutes 403.715 to 403.785. You request one by filing a Petition/Motion for Order of Protection (Form AOC-275.1) with the Circuit Court Clerk, and there is no filing, service, or hearing fee (KRS 403.745). The court reviews your petition immediately and can issue an emergency protective order (EPO) the same day when it finds an immediate and present danger, with a hearing set not more than fourteen days away (KRS 403.730). The EPO lasts until that hearing. If the judge grants a DVO, it can last up to three years and be reissued for more three-year periods (KRS 403.740).
Getting a Kentucky domestic violence order after threats from an ex-partner
In Kentucky, protection often comes in two steps, so suppose your former partner has been threatening you and showing up at your home. You file a Petition/Motion for Order of Protection (Form AOC-275.1) with the Circuit Court Clerk at no cost (KRS 403.745). The judge reviews it that day and, finding an immediate and present danger, signs an emergency protective order and sets a hearing thirteen days out (KRS 403.730). A deputy serves your ex for free. At the hearing you show threatening messages and testify. The judge grants a two-year domestic violence order for no contact and stay-away, which can be reissued for more three-year periods (KRS 403.740). You keep a certified copy and calendar the expiration to reissue before it ends. Attorney review of your petition is available through DocDraft.
Relevant Laws
KRS 403.730 (immediate review, hearing, and emergency protective order)
Requires the court to review a petition for an order of protection immediately upon filing, to summons the parties to an evidentiary hearing not more than fourteen days in the future, and to issue ex parte an emergency protective order on an immediate and present danger, effective until the conclusion of the hearing.
KRS 403.740 (domestic violence order duration and reissuance)
Provides that a domestic violence order shall be effective for a period of time fixed by the court, not to exceed three years, and may be reissued upon expiration for subsequent periods of up to three years each.
KRS 403.745 (no costs or fees against the petitioner)
Provides that costs, fees, or bond shall not be assessed against or required of a petitioner for any filing, hearing, service, or order authorized by or required to implement KRS 403.715 to 403.785, and sets when an EPO or DVO becomes effective on the respondent.
KRS 403.725 (petition, venue, court, and AOC forms)
Provides that jurisdiction over petitions is concurrent between the District Court and Circuit Court, that a petition shall be filed in a family court where one has been established, and that the petition shall be filed on forms prescribed by the Administrative Office of the Courts.
Regional Variances
Kentucky domestic violence order rules at a glance
Order name
Domestic Violence Order (DVO), preceded by an Emergency Protective Order (EPO), issued under Kentucky Revised Statutes 403.715 to 403.785. Dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault by others use a separate Interpersonal Protective Order (KRS Chapter 456).
Where to file
The District Court or Circuit Court, which share jurisdiction, or a Family Court where one is established, in the county where you live or fled for safety. There is no filing fee (KRS 403.745).
Emergency and temporary orders
The court can issue an emergency protective order (EPO) the same day you file, when it finds an immediate and present danger. The EPO lasts until the evidentiary hearing, set not more than fourteen days away (KRS 403.730).
Final order duration
After the hearing, a domestic violence order can be effective for up to three years and may be reissued for subsequent periods of up to three years each (KRS 403.740).
Main form
Petition/Motion for Order of Protection, Form AOC-275.1, prescribed by the Administrative Office of the Courts. The Circuit Court Clerk provides it free, and the Kentucky Court of Justice self-help site offers guided help (KRS 403.725).
Suggested Compliance Checklist
Complete the Petition/Motion for Order of Protection (AOC-275.1)
As soon as possible after the abuse days after startingFill out Form AOC-275.1 describing the abuse, your relationship, and specific dates. The Circuit Court Clerk provides the form free, and domestic violence advocates can help you complete it. Attorney review of your petition is available through DocDraft.
File your petition with the Circuit Court Clerk
Same day you finish the form days after startingFile Form AOC-275.1 with the Circuit Court Clerk in the county where you live or fled for safety. There is no filing, service, or hearing fee (KRS 403.745). The clerk sends it to a judge for immediate review the same day.
Get and carry the emergency protective order
Same day the judge signs it days after startingIf the judge issues an EPO (KRS 403.730), get a certified copy and keep it with you. It lasts until your hearing, which the court sets not more than fourteen days away. Note the hearing date from your papers.
Confirm service on the respondent
Before the hearing days after startingLaw enforcement serves the respondent with your petition, the EPO, and the hearing notice at no cost (KRS 403.745). Service is required before the court can grant a domestic violence order, so confirm proof of service is filed.
Attend the hearing with your evidence
Within fourteen days, on your hearing date days after startingGo to the evidentiary hearing and bring photos, messages, records, and witnesses. Both sides can testify. The court decides whether to issue a domestic violence order and its terms (KRS 403.740). If you miss it, your EPO can expire.
Track the expiration and reissue if needed
Before the DVO expires (up to 3 years out) days after startingA DVO can last up to three years and be reissued for more three-year periods (KRS 403.740). Calendar the expiration date and file to reissue before it ends so your protection does not lapse.
| Task | Description | Document | Days after starting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete the Petition/Motion for Order of Protection (AOC-275.1) | Fill out Form AOC-275.1 describing the abuse, your relationship, and specific dates. The Circuit Court Clerk provides the form free, and domestic violence advocates can help you complete it. Attorney review of your petition is available through DocDraft. | - | As soon as possible after the abuse |
| File your petition with the Circuit Court Clerk | File Form AOC-275.1 with the Circuit Court Clerk in the county where you live or fled for safety. There is no filing, service, or hearing fee (KRS 403.745). The clerk sends it to a judge for immediate review the same day. | - | Same day you finish the form |
| Get and carry the emergency protective order | If the judge issues an EPO (KRS 403.730), get a certified copy and keep it with you. It lasts until your hearing, which the court sets not more than fourteen days away. Note the hearing date from your papers. | - | Same day the judge signs it |
| Confirm service on the respondent | Law enforcement serves the respondent with your petition, the EPO, and the hearing notice at no cost (KRS 403.745). Service is required before the court can grant a domestic violence order, so confirm proof of service is filed. | - | Before the hearing |
| Attend the hearing with your evidence | Go to the evidentiary hearing and bring photos, messages, records, and witnesses. Both sides can testify. The court decides whether to issue a domestic violence order and its terms (KRS 403.740). If you miss it, your EPO can expire. | - | Within fourteen days, on your hearing date |
| Track the expiration and reissue if needed | A DVO can last up to three years and be reissued for more three-year periods (KRS 403.740). Calendar the expiration date and file to reissue before it ends so your protection does not lapse. | - | Before the DVO expires (up to 3 years out) |
Frequently Asked Questions
No. KRS 403.745(2) states that costs, fees, or bond shall not be assessed against or required of a petitioner for any filing, hearing, service, or order authorized to implement the protective order statutes. Law enforcement also serves the respondent at no charge to you.
Kentucky protection has two stages. First the court can issue an emergency protective order (EPO) the same day you file, based on immediate danger, effective until a hearing set within fourteen days (KRS 403.730). At that hearing the court can grant a longer domestic violence order (DVO) under KRS 403.740.
A domestic violence order covers abuse by a family member, a spouse or former spouse, a current or former partner, someone you live with, or a co-parent. An adult can file on behalf of a minor. For dating, stalking, or sexual assault by others, Kentucky uses an interpersonal protective order (KRS Chapter 456).
You file the Petition/Motion for Order of Protection, Form AOC-275.1, prescribed by the Administrative Office of the Courts (KRS 403.725). The same form covers both domestic violence orders and interpersonal protective orders. The Circuit Court Clerk provides it free, and the Kentucky Court of Justice self-help site offers guided help.
At the evidentiary hearing, held within fourteen days, both you and the respondent can present evidence and testify. If the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that domestic violence occurred and may occur again, it can issue a domestic violence order and set its terms (KRS 403.740).
A domestic violence order is effective for a period the court fixes, not to exceed three years, and may be reissued upon expiration for subsequent periods of up to three years each (KRS 403.740). Ask the court to reissue it before it expires, and calendar the expiration date so you do not miss it.
Violating an EPO or DVO is a crime in Kentucky. Call the police, who can arrest the person, and the court can also hold them in contempt. Keep a certified copy of your order with you and report every violation. Active orders are entered in a statewide law enforcement database.
No. Kentucky courts let you request a protective order on your own, with free forms from the Circuit Court Clerk and help from the Kentucky Court of Justice self-help resources and domestic violence advocates. A lawyer can help if the case is contested or the respondent has an attorney.
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