To learn more about what a Restraining Order is and if one is the right fit for you and your situation, read the fact sheet for your county below. It includes information to help you decide which of the four Restraining Orders fits your situation. The steps for filing, preparing your story and evidence, and attending the hearing are also described.

• Barron County - Restraining Order Factsheet

• Rusk County - Restraining Order Factsheet

• Price County - Restraining Order Factsheet

• Washburn County - Restraining Order Factsheet

• Hoja informativa sobre órdenes de restricción

Types of Abuse Grid

• This grid shows the types of abuse that are in the Wisconsin State Statutes for each type of Restraining Order. This is what the judge considers when deciding whether to grant a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and an Injunction (Restraining Order).

10 Points to Consider Before Choosing to File a Restraining Order

• Choosing whether or not to file a Restraining Order is up to you. Every survivor’s situation is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to what makes you feel safe. This resource walks through 10 important considerations to help you understand the process, weigh your options, and make an informed decision that feels safest and most appropriate for your situation.

Barron County: Domestic Abuse Restraining Order

• Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Barron County

• Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms

Rusk County: Domestic Abuse Restraining Order

• Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Rusk County

• Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms

Price County: Domestic Abuse Restraining Order

• Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Price County

• Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms

Washburn County: Domestic Abuse Restraining Order

• Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Washburn County

• Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms

Wisconsin Self-Help Forms Assistant

• The forms assistant can assist you in electronically filling out a petition for a Domestic Abuse Restraining Order. You will be asked a series of questions in an interview, and your answers will automatically be entered on the Restraining Order Petition, also known as a Petition for Injunction/Temporary Restraining Order. A confidential address information sheet will also be generated; this form must be filed with the petition.

• When the forms are completed, you will be able to download the documents to file in person or electronically.

Wisconsin Circuit Court Forms website

• Where you can find the court forms needed to file a Domestic Abuse Restraining Order

Writing a Restraining Order Statement

• Information on how to write your statement when filling out the Restraining Order.

Blank Statement of Facts

• A blank template that you can use to write your statement on.

Barron County: Harassment Restraining Order

• Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Barron County

• Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms

Rusk County: Harassment Restraining Order

• Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Rusk County

• Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms

Price County: Harassment Restraining Order

• Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Price County

• Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms

Washburn County: Harassment Restraining Order

• Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Washburn County

• Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms

Wisconsin Self-Help Forms Assistant

• The forms assistant can assist you in electronically filling out a petition for a Harassment Restraining Order. You will be asked a series of questions in an interview, and your answers will automatically be entered on the Restraining Order Petition, also known as a Petition for Injunction/Temporary Restraining Order. A confidential address information sheet will also be generated; this form must be filed with the petition.

• When the forms are completed, you will be able to download the documents to file in person or electronically.

Wisconsin Circuit Court Forms website

• Where you can find the court forms needed to file a Harassment Restraining Order

Writing a Restraining Order Statement

• Information on how to write your statement when filling out the Restraining Order.

Blank Statement of Facts

• A blank template that you can use to write your statement on.

Barron County: Individual At-Risk Restraining Order

• Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Barron County

• Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms

Rusk County: Individual At-Risk Restraining Order

• Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Rusk County

• Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms

Price County: Individual At-Risk Restraining Order

• Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Price County

• Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms

Washburn County: Individual At-Risk Restraining Order

• Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Washburn County

• Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms

Wisconsin Circuit Court Forms website

• Where you can find the court forms needed to file an Individual At-Risk Restraining Order

Writing a Restraining Order Statement

• Information on how to write your statement when filling out the Restraining Order.

Blank Statement of Facts

• A blank template that you can use to write your statement on.

Barron County: Child Abuse Restraining Order

• Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Barron County

• Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms

Rusk County: Child Abuse Restraining Order

• Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Rusk County

• Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms

Price County: Child Abuse Restraining Order

• Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Price County

• Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms

Washburn County: Child Abuse Restraining Order

• Here you will find a list of the court forms needed to file in Washburn County

• Step-by-step instructions to help guide you through filling out the forms

Wisconsin Circuit Court Forms website

• Where you can find the court forms needed to file a Child Abuse Restraining Order

Writing a Restraining Order Statement

• Information on how to write your statement when filling out the Restraining Order.

Blank Statement of Facts

• A blank template that you can use to write your statement on.

Once you finish completing the required forms to file for a Restraining Order, you will then need to either e-file or bring your forms to the Clerk of Court’s Office and they will get the forms to the Judge for review.

e-Filing a Restraining Order Instructions

• Instructions on how to electronically file a Restraining Order online through the Wisconsin Circuit Court e-Filing website

File in person at your county Clerk of Courts

• Barron County: Clerk of Courts

  • Address: 1420 State Hwy 25 N., Barron, WI 54812

  • Phone: 715.537.6265

• Rusk County: Clerk of Courts

  • Address: 311 Miner Ave. E., Ladysmith, WI 54848

  • Phone: 715.532.2108

• Price County: Clerk of Courts

  • Address: 126 Cherry St., Phillips, WI 54555

  • Phone: 715.339.2353

• Washburn County: Clerk of Courts

  • Address: 10 Fourth Ave., Shell Lake, WI 54871

  • Phone: 715.468.4677

Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) Decision and Hearing Notice

The Petition for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) will be reviewed by the Circuit Court Judge. The Clerk of Courts will then notify you if the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is granted or denied. You’ll also be told the date and time of the Injunction (Restraining Order) hearing.

If a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is granted, it puts temporary limits on the respondent’s behavior, usually for about two weeks. This decision can be made without the respondent being there or knowing ahead of time. After that, the sheriff will officially serve them with the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and the hearing notice. Even if the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) was denied, a court date may still be set for an Injunction Hearing if it was requested in the petition.

Wisconsin VINE Protective Order Notification

• VINE is a free, anonymous service that can provide you with information and notifications for updated custody statuses, criminal cases and protective orders information.

• If you were granted a non-confidential Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), you can sign up to be notified when the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) has been served by law enforcement.

• You can register online here: VINELink or by calling this number: 855-948-7648

• You will need to have the following information when registering:

  • The 12 digit CCAP case number

  • County that issued the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)

  • Respondent’s First and Last Name

Preparing for Your Injunction (Restraining Order) Hearing

• How an Injunction hearing works can vary by state, county, and sometimes even by judge. This form provides some basic information to help you prepare for your hearing.

Legal Resources

A lawyer is not required for the restraining order process. You can chose to have a lawyer represent you, at your own cost, or you may be able to get one through legal aid programs.

• Legal Action of Wisconsin - Free legal services for low-income survivors

• List of Additional Legal Resources

Restraining Orders in Wisconsin

• A more in-depth guide on Restraining Orders in Wisconsin, created by End Abuse.

Restraining Orders for Sexual Assault Victims

• This fact sheet, created by WCASA, provides a general overview of the four different kinds of Restraining Orders available to sexual assault victims in Wisconsin.