Step-by-Step: How to Get a Restraining Order in Chicago (2025)

If you live in Chicago or Cook County and need protection from abuse, stalking, or harassment, you can request a Protective Order — known legally in Illinois as an Order of Protection or No Contact Order.
This step-by-step 2025 guide explains exactly where to go, what forms you need, and what happens next.

1️⃣ What Type of Order Do You Need?

Illinois law provides three main protective orders, depending on your relationship to the person and the type of harm:

➡️ In Chicago, all of these are filed with the Cook County Circuit Court.

2️⃣ Where to File in Chicago

You can file in person or online through Illinois Legal Aid or the Cook County Clerk’s system.

🏢 Main Filing Location – Chicago Domestic Violence Courthouse

Address:
555 West Harrison Street, Room 100
Chicago, IL 60607
📞 Phone: (312) 325-9500
🕐 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

⚖️ Other Cook County Locations (Suburban)

You can also file at branch courts in:

• Skokie: 5600 Old Orchard Rd

• Markham: 16501 Kedzie Parkway

• Maywood: 1500 Maybrook Dr

• Rolling Meadows: 2121 Euclid Ave

• Bridgeview: 10220 S. 76th Ave

📍 Find your nearest location:
Cook County Circuit Court Locations – Official Directory

3️⃣ Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Fill Out the Petition

• Use the Illinois Supreme Court standardized “Order of Protection” forms:
  Illinois Courts – Order of Protection Forms

• You can complete them online with Illinois Legal Aid Easy Form Tool.

• Write clearly, include specific incidents, dates, threats, and injuries.

• List all forms of relief you need:
  – “No contact” or “stay away” orders
  – Exclusive possession of your home
  – Temporary child custody or visitation limits
  – Firearms removal (under Karina’s Law 2025)

Step 2: Request an Emergency Order

If you are in immediate danger, ask the clerk for an Emergency Order of Protection (EOP).

• The judge can hear your request the same day, even if the abuser has not been notified.

• If granted, it takes effect immediately and typically lasts 14–21 days.

☎️ 24-Hour After-Hours Option:
Cook County has a Domestic Violence Courthouse Hotline for emergency filing when the courthouse is closed:
(312) 325-9500

Step 3: Serve the Respondent

Once the Emergency Order is granted:

• The Cook County Sheriff’s Office serves the order at no cost.
  Request Service Online →

• They’ll deliver the papers (petition + order) to the respondent.

• The order becomes enforceable once served.

Step 4: Attend the Hearing

• The judge sets a hearing date for your Plenary Order of Protection (final order).

• Bring evidence and witnesses — such as:

  • Police reports

  • Photos of injuries or damage

  • Texts, emails, or social media messages

  • Witness statements

• The other party may appear and respond.

• The judge decides whether to issue a final order, typically lasting up to 2 years.

Step 5: Enforcement & Renewal

If the abuser violates the order:

• Call 911 immediately — violations are a criminal offense in Illinois.

• File a violation report at the same courthouse if non-emergency.

• You can renew or extend the order before it expires if danger continues.

• Under Karina’s Law (2025), police must remove firearms from any respondent subject to a domestic violence protection order when ordered by the court.

4️⃣ Types of Orders in Illinois

5️⃣ Evidence Checklist (Bring to Court)

✅ Police reports or 911 call logs
✅ Photos, screenshots, or videos of incidents
✅ Medical or counseling records
✅ Witness letters or testimony
✅ Any prior restraining orders or criminal complaints
✅ Documentation of cohabitation or relationship (lease, mail, etc.)

6️⃣ Free Legal & Survivor Support in Chicago

7️⃣ Timeline Overview

8️⃣ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

🟣 Can I file online in Chicago?
Yes — through Illinois Legal Aid Easy Forms or the Cook County Clerk’s Office.

🟣 Is there a fee to file?
No, filing is free for protective orders in Illinois.

🟣 Will my abuser find out where I live?
You can request a confidential address; your location can be sealed or replaced with an attorney’s address.

🟣 What if I move out of Illinois?
Your order is valid nationwide under VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) reciprocity.

🟣 How do I renew my order?
File a motion to extend before the order expires. Courts may extend it up to 2 more years if threats continue.

⚖️ Final Thoughts

You don’t have to face abuse or intimidation alone.
In Chicago, the Domestic Violence Courthouse at 555 W Harrison St is your first stop for immediate help.
The process can feel overwhelming — but legal advocates, shelters, and court staff are trained to help survivors navigate it safely.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
For confidential help, contact the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline at (877) 863-6338.