Understanding Available Remedies in an Illinois Order of Protection

 Posted on November 03, 2026 in Domestic Violence

Nobody ever thinks that they will become a victim of domestic violence until it happens to them. Unfortunately, domestic violence happens much more frequently than you may expect. Many victims of domestic violence never seek help for one reason or another, but the ones who do have options available to keep themselves and their families safe. One widely used method is petitioning for an order of protection.

At Goostree Law Group, our St. Charles, IL family law attorneys can help you seek relief from abuse. We have decades of experience, which means we can represent you with confidence in order of protection hearings. Please keep in mind that some abusers may become volatile upon receiving a protective order. If you are in immediate danger of violence, call 911 and go to a safe place like a domestic violence shelter or the home of someone you trust.

What Is an Order of Protection?

An order of protection is a legal order used in domestic violence cases that requires an alleged abuser to do certain things or prohibits them from doing certain things. Orders of protection can be issued in response to a variety of actions on the part of a family or household member, including physical abuse, harassment, intimidation, interference with personal liberty, or willful deprivation. Orders of protection exist to provide protection and other solutions designed to help victims.

What Remedies Can an Order of Protection Include in 2026?

When an order of protection is filed, you can request certain remedies to be included in the order. Remedies can vary in subject matter, but some of the most common remedies used include:

• Ordering the abuser to cease abusive actions. All orders of protection contain an order from the court stating that the respondent is to stop all abusive behaviors toward the victim. This includes any physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as harassment, stalking, and intimidation.
• Granting exclusive possession of your home. If the judge finds that the abuser would be a danger to you or your family, they can grant you exclusive possession of your home, even if the alleged abuser lives there. This means the alleged abuser would be prohibited from living there while the order is in effect.
• Ordering the abuser to stay away from you. In some cases, a "restraining order," or "stay away order" is issued to prevent the alleged abuser from being near you, your family, your residence, or your place of employment.
• Ordering the abuser to give back personal possessions or pets. If personal property has been taken by the alleged abuser, the court can order them to return your personal property. This can also include pets and other companion animals.
• Ordering the abuser to attend counseling or rehabilitation. In many cases that involve alcohol or drug abuse, the court will order the alleged abuser to attend some sort of counseling or rehabilitation program.
• Ordering the abuser to surrender firearms. If the alleged abuser owns any firearms, they are required to relinquish them. Individuals who are subject to active orders of protection cannot legally own or possess firearms.

If you are looking for specific relief, our firm can push for a proper remedy in court. We will prepare your case ahead of time, documenting both the history of the abuse and the relief sought.

What Protections Are Available in a Civil No Contact Order?

A civil no contact order is a court order for victims of sexual assault or sexual abuse. You do not need a family or dating relationship with the other person to get one. This sets it apart from an order of protection. A civil no contact order can protect a person who was assaulted by a stranger, a classmate, a coworker, or an acquaintance.

The judge can order the respondent to stay away from you. The order can also bar the respondent from calling, texting, or messaging you. Contact through friends or other third parties can be banned too. The court can keep the respondent away from your home, school, or job. If you and the respondent attend the same school, the judge can set rules to limit contact between you on campus. These protections are meant to give you room to feel safe in your daily life.

What Is a Stalking No Contact Order?

A stalking no contact order is a court order for people who are being stalked by someone outside their family or household. Stalking means a pattern of conduct, not a single act. It can include following you, watching your home, or showing up where you work. It can also include sending unwanted messages or threats online. To qualify, the conduct must cause you to fear for your safety or suffer emotional distress (740 ILCS 21/10).

Many stalking victims do not have a close relationship with the person stalking them. The stalker may be a neighbor, a former friend, or someone they met only once. A stalking no contact order gives these victims a way to seek help from the court. The judge can order the stalker to stop all contact and keep a set distance from you. The order can also cover places you go often, like your home or school.

What Is a Firearms Restraining Order?

A firearms restraining order is a court order that temporarily takes guns away from a person who poses a danger. Unlike the other orders, this one focuses on weapons instead of contact. A family member or a police officer can ask the court for one. Family members can include a spouse, parent, child, roommate, or dating partner.

The person asking must show that the respondent is a threat to themselves or others. Threats of violence, signs of self-harm, or recent dangerous behavior may support the request. If the judge grants the order, the respondent must turn over all firearms. The respondent must also surrender his or her FOID card and any concealed carry license. An emergency order can be issued quickly in urgent cases. A longer order can follow after a full hearing. This type of order can help prevent a tragedy before it happens.

Contact Our Kane County Family Law Attorneys

Domestic violence and abuse can severely impact a victim, especially if they do not receive help. If you are experiencing domestic violence in your household and you wish to seek protection, our compassionate, persistent St. Charles, IL protective order attorneys would be happy to assist you. Contact our office today at 630-584-4800 to schedule a confidential consultation to discover what we can do for you.