Become a survivor

with a protective restraining order

Stop the cycle of abuse with a restraining order.

Domestic violence.
Harassment.
Stalking.

Let our family law attorneys at Dozier Miller help you get the protection you deserve.

We have decades of experience helping people in your exact situation.

Let us help you become a survivor.

How can a family law attorney help you get a protective + restraining order?

Not all restraining orders are equal.

Depending on your circumstances, a judge may use a restraining order to determine use of a shared home or vehicle, child custody, possession of a pet, financial support and more. Your lawyer is your advocate. We’ll help you file, guide you through the legal processes and represent you at court hearings to ensure you get the protection you need and the support you deserve.

Call or text 704-372-6373 or submit a confidential form below.

Take the first step. Contact us today.

“David truly wants the very best for his client, and it’s evident in every conversation and email exchange shared with him. He gently and compassionately guided me through some of the most challenging and difficult periods of my life.”

Client of David McCleary, Family Law

“Amanda is a true joy to work with; always pleasant, professional, responsive, and very thorough. She did everything possible to make sure we understood things every step of the way. I can’t imagine working with any family law attorney other than Amanda.”

Client of Amanda Cannavo, Family Law

“Having to hire a family law attorney was one of the scariest things I’ve ever had to do, but Allison and her team truly helped me get through a difficult time in my life. Not only is she professional, she’s also honest, thoughtful and kind.”

Client of Allison Holstein, Family Law

Know your restraining order options.

Domestic Violence Protective Order (50B) vs. Civil No-Contact Order (50C)

There are two main types of restraining orders in North Carolina: The Domestic Violence Protective Order, also known as a 50B or DVPO, and the Civil No-Contact Order, also known as a 50C.

The main difference between the two is your relationship to your abuser. A Domestic Violence Protective Order is used when you have a personal relationship with the person you’re filing against — spouses or ex-spouses, current or former dating partners, someone you have a child with, family members and current or former roommates.

If you do not have a personal relationship with your abuser, you may file for a Civil No-Contact Order.

Domestic Violence Protective Order (50B)
- You (the plaintiff) have a personal relationship with your abuser (the defendant).
- Defendant has committed an act of domestic violence as defined by North Carolina law.
- Can require the defendant have no contact with you and stay away from places you live, work or go to school.
- Can be used to grant temporary custody of children or possession of pets, temporary child or spousal support, temporary usage of a shared home or vehicle and more.
- Violation of a DVPO can lead to jail time or contempt of court charges and fines.

Civil No-Contact Order (50C)
- You do not have a personal relationship with the defendant.
- Typically used in cases of abuse, stalking or unwanted sexual advances by a person with whom you do not have a personal relationship.
- Can require the defendant have no contact with you and stay away from places you live, work or go to school.
- Violation of a 50C order can lead to contempt of court charges and fines.

The Domestic Violence Protective Order process

Step 1:

Fill out the appropriate legal forms and file with the Clerk of Court.

Step 2:

Attend an “ex parte hearing” with a judge to discuss your case. After this hearing, the judge may grant a temporary “ex parte order” to protect you until the next hearing.

Step 3:

The sheriff “serves” the defendant (the person you’re filing against).

Step 4:

Attend your court hearing. Unlike the first hearing, the defendant is expected to attend this hearing. If the defendant does not consent to the protection order, the judge may conduct a trial to determine if it should be granted. This is your chance to present evidence and witnesses to prove your abuser has committed an act of domestic violence.

Step 5:

The judge decides if the DVPO should be granted, how long it should last and any other stipulations it should include.

It all starts with a quick consultation.

Though you can file for a restraining order without a lawyer’s help, we recommend having a legal-savvy professional on your side to get the best results at every step. From the time you contact our team, we’ll work closely with you to get the protection you need.

Help us learn about your unique situation and determine the best path forward. From there, we’ll assist with completing and filing legal forms and guiding you through hearings and court dates. We understand this can be an intimidating process. We’ll be here through the entire journey to answer questions and offer advice.

Our goal is to help you feel confident and supported every step of the way.

And it doesn’t end when your protection order is in place. If you have questions about enforcing, extending, renewing or cancelling a restraining order, we’re just a call, text or email away.