How to Get an Order of Protection in Missouri
Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team · Missouri · Last updated September 17, 2026
In Missouri, an order of protection is a civil court order that directs an abuser to stop the abuse and stay away from you, issued under the Adult Abuse Act (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.010 and following). You can seek one when a family or household member, a current or former dating partner, or a stalker has abused, threatened, or harassed you. You start by filing a verified Petition for a Court Order of Protection, Adult (Form AA40) with the circuit court where you live, where the abuse happened, or where the other person can be served. No filing fees, court costs, or bond are assessed to the petitioner (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.027). For good cause, such as an immediate and present danger of domestic violence, a judge can issue an ex parte order of protection the same day, without the other person present (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.035). That ex parte order stays in effect until a hearing, which the court holds not later than fifteen days after you file (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.040). At the hearing the judge decides whether to issue a full order of protection, valid for at least 180 days and not more than one year, and renewable annually (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.040). 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 Missouri
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How do I get an order of protection in Missouri?
File a verified Petition for a Court Order of Protection, Adult (Form AA40) with the circuit court in your county. No filing fees, court costs, or bond are assessed to the petitioner (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.027). A judge can issue an ex parte order the same day, and a hearing follows within fifteen days.
How long does it take to get an order of protection in Missouri?
For good cause, such as an immediate and present danger of domestic violence, a judge can issue an ex parte order of protection the same day you file, without the other person present (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.035). The court then holds a hearing not later than fifteen days after filing (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.040).
How long does a full order of protection last in Missouri?
After a hearing, a full order of protection is valid for at least 180 days and not more than one year, unless the court makes written findings of serious danger (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.040). You can move to renew it annually, and each renewal again lasts at least 180 days and up to one year.
Which court handles orders of protection in Missouri?
You file in the circuit court, in the county where you live, where the abuse happened, or where the person you want protection from can be served. Missouri's statewide adult abuse forms are available through the Missouri Courts self-help resources, so you can file without a lawyer.
Missouri order of protection law at a glance
In Missouri, an order of protection is a civil court order that directs an abuser to stop the abuse and stay away from you, under the Adult Abuse Act (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.010 and following). It covers abuse by a family or household member, a current or former dating partner, or a stalker. You ask for one by filing a verified Petition for a Court Order of Protection, Adult (Form AA40) with the circuit court, and no fees, court costs, or bond are assessed to the petitioner (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.027). For good cause, a judge can issue an ex parte order the same day, and it lasts until a hearing held not later than fifteen days after filing (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.035 and 455.040). A full order of protection is valid for at least 180 days and not more than one year, renewable annually (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.040).
Getting a Missouri order of protection after threats from a former partner
Suppose a former dating partner in Missouri has been showing up at your home and sending threatening messages. You complete the verified Petition for a Court Order of Protection, Adult (Form AA40), describing the threats with dates, and file it with the circuit court with no filing fees, court costs, or bond (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.027). Because your sworn petition shows an immediate and present danger, the judge signs an ex parte order of protection that same day (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.035). A sheriff's deputy serves your ex, and the court holds your hearing within fifteen days (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.040). You bring screenshots and testify. The judge grants a full order of protection valid for one year, which you can renew annually (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.040). Attorney review of your petition is available through DocDraft.
Relevant Laws
Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.035 (ex parte order of protection)
Provides that upon the filing of a verified petition and for good cause shown, the court may immediately issue an ex parte order of protection, and that the order takes effect when entered and remains in effect until there is valid service of process and a hearing is held. An immediate and present danger of domestic violence constitutes good cause.
Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.040 (hearing, duration, and renewal of the full order)
Requires a hearing not later than fifteen days after the petition is filed, unless the court grants a continuance for good cause, and provides that a full order of protection shall be valid for at least one hundred eighty days and not more than one year, and may be renewed annually upon the petitioner's motion.
Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.027 (no filing fees, court costs, or bond)
Provides that no filing fees, court costs, or bond shall be assessed to the petitioner in an action commenced pursuant to sections 455.010 to 455.090.
Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.085 (arrest and penalties for violation)
Requires a law enforcement officer with probable cause to arrest a respondent who has notice of a protective order and violates it, and provides that a violation of an ex parte or full order of protection is a class A misdemeanor, and a class E felony for a repeat violation within five years.
Regional Variances
Missouri order of protection rules at a glance
Order name
Order of protection, issued under the Adult Abuse Act (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.010 and following). The court first issues an ex parte order of protection, then a full order of protection after a hearing. Adult petitioners use the adult abuse and stalking process.
Where to file
The circuit court, in the county where you live, where the abuse happened, or where the person you want protection from can be served. No filing fees, court costs, or bond are assessed to the petitioner (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.027).
Emergency and temporary orders
For good cause, such as an immediate and present danger of domestic violence, a judge can issue an ex parte order of protection the same day, without the other person present. It stays in effect until service and a hearing, held not later than fifteen days after filing (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.035 and 455.040).
Final order duration
After the hearing, a full order of protection is valid for at least 180 days and not more than one year, and may be renewed annually upon the petitioner's motion (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.040).
Main form
Petition for a Court Order of Protection, Adult (Form AA40), the statewide adult abuse and stalking petition. Missouri Courts provide the form and self-help instructions at no charge through their adult abuse forms resources.
Suggested Compliance Checklist
Complete the Petition for a Court Order of Protection, Adult (AA40)
As soon as possible after the abuse days after startingFill out the verified Petition for a Court Order of Protection, Adult (Form AA40), describing the abuse, your relationship, and specific dates. Use the free Missouri Courts statewide form and self-help resources if you need help. Attorney review of your petition is available through DocDraft.
File your petition with the circuit court
Same day you finish the petition days after startingFile the AA40 with the circuit court clerk in the county where you live, where the abuse happened, or where the other person can be served. No filing fees, court costs, or bond are assessed to the petitioner (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.027). Ask the clerk when the judge will decide on your ex parte order.
Get and carry the ex parte order of protection
Same day the judge signs it days after startingIf the judge grants an ex parte order of protection (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.035), get the signed order and keep a copy with you. It stays in effect until your hearing, which the court holds not later than fifteen days after you file (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.040).
Arrange sheriff service on the other person
Before the hearing days after startingThe sheriff serves the respondent with your petition and the ex parte order at no cost to you. Valid service of process is required for the court to hold the hearing and issue a full order, so confirm service is completed before your hearing date (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.035).
Attend the court hearing with your evidence
On your hearing date, within 15 days of filing days after startingGo to the hearing and bring photos, messages, and any witnesses. Both sides can testify. If the judge finds abuse by a preponderance of the evidence, the judge issues a full order of protection (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.040). If you miss the hearing, your ex parte order can expire.
Track the expiration and renew if needed
Before the order expires (180 days to 1 year out) days after startingA full order of protection is valid for at least 180 days and not more than one year (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.040). Calendar the expiration date and file a motion to renew before it ends. A renewed order again lasts at least 180 days and up to one year.
| Task | Description | Document | Days after starting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete the Petition for a Court Order of Protection, Adult (AA40) | Fill out the verified Petition for a Court Order of Protection, Adult (Form AA40), describing the abuse, your relationship, and specific dates. Use the free Missouri Courts statewide form and self-help resources if you need help. Attorney review of your petition is available through DocDraft. | - | As soon as possible after the abuse |
| File your petition with the circuit court | File the AA40 with the circuit court clerk in the county where you live, where the abuse happened, or where the other person can be served. No filing fees, court costs, or bond are assessed to the petitioner (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.027). Ask the clerk when the judge will decide on your ex parte order. | - | Same day you finish the petition |
| Get and carry the ex parte order of protection | If the judge grants an ex parte order of protection (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.035), get the signed order and keep a copy with you. It stays in effect until your hearing, which the court holds not later than fifteen days after you file (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.040). | - | Same day the judge signs it |
| Arrange sheriff service on the other person | The sheriff serves the respondent with your petition and the ex parte order at no cost to you. Valid service of process is required for the court to hold the hearing and issue a full order, so confirm service is completed before your hearing date (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.035). | - | Before the hearing |
| Attend the court hearing with your evidence | Go to the hearing and bring photos, messages, and any witnesses. Both sides can testify. If the judge finds abuse by a preponderance of the evidence, the judge issues a full order of protection (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.040). If you miss the hearing, your ex parte order can expire. | - | On your hearing date, within 15 days of filing |
| Track the expiration and renew if needed | A full order of protection is valid for at least 180 days and not more than one year (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.040). Calendar the expiration date and file a motion to renew before it ends. A renewed order again lasts at least 180 days and up to one year. | - | Before the order expires (180 days to 1 year out) |
Frequently Asked Questions
No. No filing fees, court costs, or bond are assessed to the petitioner in an action for an order of protection under the Adult Abuse Act (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.027). Circuit clerk duties are also performed without cost to the litigants (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.025), and the sheriff serves the order at no charge to you.
For good cause shown in a verified petition, meaning an immediate and present danger of domestic violence, a judge can immediately issue an ex parte order of protection without the other person present (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.035). It takes effect when entered and remains in effect until valid service of process and a hearing are held.
You can file if a family or household member, a current or former dating or intimate partner, or a person who has stalked you has committed abuse. Family or household members include spouses, former spouses, people related by blood or marriage, and those who live or have lived together (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.010).
You file the statewide Petition for a Court Order of Protection, Adult (Form AA40), which is the Adult Abuse and Stalking petition. Missouri Courts provide this form and self-help instructions at no charge through their adult abuse forms resources, so you can complete and file it without a lawyer.
The court holds the hearing not later than fifteen days after you file, unless it grants a continuance for good cause (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.040). Both sides can present evidence and testify. If the judge finds abuse by a preponderance of the evidence, the judge issues a full order of protection.
Yes. Upon your motion and after a hearing, the court may renew a full order of protection annually (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.040). A renewed order is again valid for at least 180 days and not more than one year from the previous order's expiration date, and it can be renewed periodically.
Violating an order of protection is a crime in Missouri. A law enforcement officer with probable cause must arrest a respondent who violates it (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.085). A first violation is a class A misdemeanor, and a repeat violation within five years is a class E felony. Call the police and keep a copy of your order.
No. Missouri courts provide the statewide Petition for a Court Order of Protection, Adult (Form AA40) and self-help resources so people can file on their own, and circuit clerks explain the filing steps at no cost (Mo. Rev. Stat. 455.025). Legal help can be useful if the case is contested.
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