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Legal Information: Illinois

Restraining Orders

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Updated: 
January 23, 2024

Step 2: Fill out the petition.

Carefully fill out the petition.  On the petition, you will be the petitioner and the abuser will be the respondent.  Write about the most recent incident of violence, using descriptive language (words like “slapping,” “hitting,” “grabbing,” “choking,” “threatening,” etc.) that fit your situation.  Include details and dates, if possible. Be specific.

When giving your address, you can ask that your address be kept confidential.  You may also ask that the school(s) you or your children attend also be kept confidential if that would put you or your children in danger.  If you are staying at a shelter, give their post office box (P.O. box), not a street address.

If you need assistance filling out the forms, you may be able to ask questions to the clerk.  Some courts may have an advocate that can assist you.1  A domestic violence organization may also be able to provide you with help filling out the forms.  See the IL Advocates and Shelters page for the location of an organization near you.

1 750 ILCS 60/205