If you are in danger and need to know how to get a protective order in Reno, Nevada, the process begins at the Second Judicial District Court Family Division, located at One South Sierra Street in downtown Reno.
You can file a verified application describing the domestic violence or threat you have experienced, and a judge must review that application within one judicial day. A temporary protective order can be granted the same day you file, even without the other party being notified, giving you immediate legal protection while the court schedules a hearing on a longer-term order.
That said, the process involves specific legal forms, strict deadlines, and a court hearing where the details of your situation will be evaluated by a judge. Understanding each step before you walk into that courthouse can make a meaningful difference in how quickly and effectively you receive protection.
Speak With a Reno Attorney Today — Free ConsultationKey Takeaways about Protective Orders in Reno
- A temporary protective order (TPO) in Nevada can be issued within one judicial day of filing and lasts up to 45 days.
- Applicants must have a domestic relationship with the adverse party and must describe specific acts of domestic violence or a credible threat in a verified application.
- The Second Judicial District Court in Reno has a Protection Order Help Center on the third floor at One South Sierra Street that assists applicants with completing and filing paperwork.
- An extended protective order in Washoe County requires a court hearing and can last up to two years.
- Court clerks and help center staff can assist with forms but cannot provide legal advice — having an attorney present at the hearing can significantly strengthen an applicant's case.
- There is no cost to the applicant for filing fees, and law enforcement serves the order on the adverse party at no charge.
What Is a Protective Order Under Nevada Law?
A protective order is a court order designed to keep someone who has committed or threatened domestic violence away from the person they harmed.
Under Nevada Revised Statutes Chapter 33 (NRS 33.017–33.100), the court can order the adverse party to stay away from your home, your workplace, your children's school, and other locations. The order can also address temporary custody of minor children, possession of shared property, and even protection of pets.
Nevada law recognizes two main types of domestic violence protective orders: temporary and extended. A temporary protective order provides short-term, emergency protection. An extended protective order in Washoe County, or anywhere else in Nevada, is a longer-term order issued after a formal hearing. Both carry the full weight of the law, and violating either one is a criminal offense.
It is worth noting that protective orders related to domestic violence are different from orders addressing stalking or workplace harassment. Those are handled through separate sections of NRS Chapter 33 and may be filed through a different court, such as the Reno Justice Court.
Who Can File for a Protective Order in Reno, NV?
To be eligible to file for a protective order against domestic violence in Reno, you must have a domestic relationship with the person you are seeking protection from. Under NRS 33.018, a domestic relationship includes:
- A relationship by blood, such as a parent, child, sibling, aunt, or uncle
- A relationship by marriage, including a current or former spouse, in-laws, or step-relatives
- A relationship created by having at least one child in common, whether or not the parties have ever lived together
- A person appointed as a custodian or legal guardian for a minor child
In addition to demonstrating that domestic relationship, you must also describe a specific act of domestic violence or a credible threat of violence in your application. Nevada law defines domestic violence broadly to include battery, assault, threatening or harassing conduct, forced entry into a residence, destruction of property, and other acts intended to control or intimidate.
If your situation does not involve a domestic relationship, you may still have options. The Washoe County court system also handles protection orders for stalking and harassment, which are filed through a justice court rather than the family division.
Step-by-Step: How to File a Restraining Order in Reno, NV
Filing for a protective order in Reno, Nevada does not require an attorney, although having one can be incredibly helpful. Here is what the process generally looks like.
Step 1: Get the Forms
The paperwork you need is available at the Protection Order Help Center, located on the third floor of the Second Judicial District Court Family Division at One South Sierra Street in Reno. You can also pick up forms at 75 Court Street. The forms you will need include a Confidential Information Sheet, an Application for a Temporary Protective Order, a Civil Instruction Sheet, and, if you and the adverse party share children, a UCCJEA form related to child custody jurisdiction.
Forms are also available online through the Washoe County Courts website, and completed applications can be submitted electronically through the eFlex system.
Step 2: Complete the Application
The most important part of the application is your sworn statement describing what happened. Be as specific as possible. Include dates, locations, and details of each incident. If there were witnesses, name them. If you have photographs, text messages, medical records, or police reports, note that you have them. The judge reviewing your application will rely on these facts to decide whether to grant immediate protection.
If disclosing your home address would put you in danger, Nevada law allows you to keep that information confidential. It will be shared with the court and law enforcement, but will not be included in any publicly accessible records.
Step 3: File the Application
You can turn in your completed forms at the Protection Order Help Center, where staff will review them for completeness and file them with the court. Walk-ins are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. You can also email your completed application to the Help Center or schedule an appointment through Safe Embrace or the Domestic Violence Resource Center for additional assistance.
There is no filing fee for applicants. Under NRS 33.050, all costs and official fees are deferred for the person seeking protection, and any fees assessed after the hearing are charged to the adverse party.
Step 4: Wait for the Judge's Decision on the TPO
Once your application is filed, the court must rule on it within one judicial day. In some cases, the judge may contact you for a brief interview to gather more information. If the judge finds that domestic violence has occurred or that a credible threat exists, a temporary protective order will be issued.
A temporary protective order can require the adverse party to stay away from you, leave a shared residence, have no contact with you or your children, and surrender firearms. It takes effect immediately and remains in place for up to 45 days or until the hearing on an extended order, whichever comes first.
What Happens After the Temporary Protective Order Is Granted
Once a TPO is issued, the court sends a copy to local law enforcement, which is responsible for personally serving the order on the adverse party at no cost to you. The adverse party must comply with every condition in the order the moment they are served.
If law enforcement is unable to serve them in person after multiple attempts, the court has procedures for alternative service, including service at the adverse party's workplace.
Preparing for the Extended Order Hearing
A hearing on an extended protective order in Washoe County must take place within 45 days of the application being filed. At this hearing, both sides have the opportunity to present evidence and testimony. The judge will listen to your account, consider any documentation you provide, and hear from the adverse party if they choose to appear.
This hearing is where legal representation can make the biggest difference. Court clerks and Help Center staff are there to assist with paperwork and procedure, but they cannot advise you on legal strategy, help you prepare testimony, or advocate on your behalf in front of the judge.
An attorney who understands family law and protective order proceedings can organize your evidence, prepare you for cross-examination, and present your case in the clearest possible terms.
If the judge grants the extended order, it can remain in effect for up to two years and may include all the protections from the temporary order, along with additional provisions, such as supervised visitation arrangements, child support, and orders requiring the adverse party to stay away from specific locations you frequent.
Get Legal Help Preparing for Your HearingWhat a Protective Order Can and Cannot Do
A protective order is a powerful legal tool, but it is important to have realistic expectations about what it provides. A protective order can legally prohibit the adverse party from contacting you, coming near your home or workplace, possessing firearms (if the court so orders), and interfering with custody of your children.
If the adverse party violates any provision, they can be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor under NRS 33.100, which carries penalties of up to six months in jail and fines up to $1,000 for a first offense.
However, a protective order is a piece of paper enforced by law. It does not create a physical barrier. If you are in immediate danger, calling 911 is always the right first step. A protective order works best as part of a broader safety plan that may include changing locks, staying with trusted family or friends, or working with a local advocacy organization like Safe Embrace here in the Reno area.
Why Legal Representation Matters in Protective Order Cases
Many people file for protective orders on their own, and the Washoe County court system is designed to make that possible. But the hearing for an extended order is a legal proceeding with real consequences, and the adverse party has every right to bring their own attorney, challenge your account, and present their own evidence.
Having a family law attorney at your hearing means someone is there to speak on your behalf, object to improper questioning, and make sure the judge has the full picture. This is especially important in cases involving children, shared property, or situations where the adverse party contests the order. An attorney can also help if you need to modify or extend the order down the road.
For people in the Reno and greater Washoe County area, reaching out to a law firm that handles family law matters and understands the local court system can be a practical step toward making sure the protective order process works in your favor.
Understanding Nevada Domestic Violence Laws and Your Rights
Nevada takes domestic violence seriously. Beyond protective orders, a person who commits domestic violence can face criminal charges that carry their own penalties, separate from any civil protective order. Knowing that the civil and criminal processes run independently is important. You do not need to press criminal charges to seek a protective order, and you do not need a protective order to pursue criminal charges.
It is also important to know that your protective order, once entered into the state's Central Repository, is enforceable across Nevada and recognized in every other state under federal full faith and credit laws. If you relocate from Reno to another part of Nevada or even to another state, your order travels with you.
Reno, Nevada Protective Orders FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions about the protective order process in Reno and Washoe County.
How do I get a restraining order against my abuser in Reno?
You can start by visiting the Protection Order Help Center on the third floor of the Second Judicial District Court Family Division at One South Sierra Street in Reno. Staff there will provide you with the necessary forms and help you understand the filing process. You can also call the Help Center at (775) 328-3127 for guidance before you arrive.
How long does a temporary protective order last in Nevada?
A temporary protective order lasts up to 45 days under Nevada law. If you file for an extended order during that time, the temporary order stays in place until the hearing on the extended order is held.
Can I file for a protective order if I was never married to the person?
Yes. Nevada law does not require marriage. You are eligible if you share a child with the person, are related by blood, or have another qualifying domestic relationship as defined under NRS 33.018.
What happens if the other person violates the protective order?
Violating any provision of a protective order is a misdemeanor in Nevada. You should contact law enforcement immediately if a violation occurs. Each separate act of violation can be charged as its own offense.
Do I need to pay to file for a protective order?
No. Nevada law requires that all filing fees and court costs be deferred for the applicant. Law enforcement also serves the order on the adverse party at no charge.
Can a protective order address child custody?
Yes. If the court has jurisdiction under Nevada's custody laws, a temporary or extended protective order can include provisions for temporary custody of minor children, including supervised visitation for the adverse party.
What if the other party lives outside of Washoe County?
You can still file in Washoe County if the act of domestic violence occurred there, if you reside there, or if you are temporarily located there to avoid a threat of violence. The court has specific venue rules under NRS 33.0195 to accommodate applicants who may need to file somewhere other than their home county for safety reasons.
Protect Yourself: Reach Out to Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman Today
Taking the step to seek a protective order in Reno, Nevada, takes courage, and you deserve to have someone in your corner who understands how the process works. At Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P., the team brings over a century of combined experience to the families and individuals they represent throughout Northern Nevada.
Whether you need help preparing your application, representation at your hearing, or guidance on what comes next, the firm is ready to listen to your story.
Call today for a free consultation. When you call, they answer — and that kind of availability matters when your safety is on the line.
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