In cases where you need protection from contact from your significant other, but are unable to prove domestic abuse, the Petition for a Harassment Restraining Order is a useful tool, because it is much easier to prove than domestic abuse.

A Harassment Restraining Order (HRO) can be obtained by proving: "a single incident of physical or sexual assault or repeated incidents of intrusive or unwanted acts, words, or gestures that have a substantial adverse effect or are intended to have a substantial adverse effect on the safety, security, or privacy of another, regardless of the relationship between the actor and the intended target."

Unlike an Order for Protection, and Harassment Restraining Order cannot award temporary child custody or support, but it can order no contact from the Respondent.

As with an Order for Protection, the Harassment Restraining Order is subject to abuse. If you are accused of harassment, you have the right to an evidentiary hearing to defend against that. Having an attorney is crucial in these proceedings.

* THE INFORMATION IN THIS ARTICLE IS NOT ADVICE FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CASE. ALSO, THIS INFORMATION APPLIES ONLY TO MINNESOTA LAW, AND NOT TO THE LAW OF ANY OTHER STATE OR COUNTRY.