Las Vegas Domestic Violence & Protective Order Attorneys

Understanding Domestic Violence Protective Orders in Nevada

A protective order, sometimes called a restraining order, is a civil court order that limits what an alleged abuser, known as the “adverse party,” can do. It can order that person to stay away from your home, workplace, school, and children, and to stop calling, texting, following, or threatening you and your family.

Violating a protective order is a separate crime under Nevada law, giving the order real enforcement power.

Nevada’s protective order laws are set out in NRS Chapter 33. In Clark County, domestic violence protective orders are issued by the Family Division of the Eighth Judicial District Court, not the local justice courts.

Our attorneys guide you through every step, from preparing the application to representing you at the hearing.

Types of Protective Orders in Nevada

Temporary Protective Order (TPO): Immediate Protection

A Temporary Protective Order, or TPO, can be granted quickly and “ex parte,” meaning a judge can issue it without the adverse party being present.

A domestic violence TPO can remain in effect for up to 45 days, providing protection while you prepare for the next step.

Extended Protective Order (EPO): Longer-Term Protection

An Extended Protective Order, or EPO, is granted only after a hearing where both parties can appear and be heard.

In Nevada, an EPO can last up to one year, or up to two years when the court makes a specific finding of fact. Having legal counsel at this hearing can make a significant difference.

Emergency Temporary Protective Order (ETPO): Protection After an Arrest

When an alleged abuser is in police custody following a domestic battery arrest, an Emergency Temporary Protective Order may be requested by phone through SafeNest’s 24/7 hotline.

The order can be served before the mandatory jail hold ends, helping ensure that protection is in place before the person is released.

Who Can Request a Domestic Violence Protective Order?

Under NRS 33.018, a domestic violence protective order is available when the adverse party is someone with whom you share a qualifying relationship. This may include someone who:

• Is or was your spouse;
• Is related to you by blood, not including siblings and cousins, or by marriage;
• Is or was in a dating relationship with you; or
• Shares a child with you.

A parent or guardian may also seek protection on behalf of a minor child.

Qualifying acts of domestic violence may include battery, assault, harassment, stalking, sexual assault, false imprisonment, and destruction of property, among others.

If your situation involves someone who is not a family member or intimate partner, a different type of order, such as a stalking or harassment order, may apply. Our attorneys can help you identify the appropriate legal path.

How to Get a Protective Order in Clark County

The protective order process can move quickly, but the details matter. Our attorneys help you present a clear and well-supported request so the court has the information it needs to act.

In general, obtaining a protective order in Las Vegas or Henderson involves the following steps:

1. Get to Safety and Seek Support

Your immediate safety should come first. Advocates through SafeNest can assist with safety planning and may accompany you to court.

2. Prepare the Application

Applications are filed with the Family Division of the Eighth Judicial District Court at the Family Courts and Services Center on North Pecos Road.

Forms are available through the Family Law Self-Help Center and its online Guide & File system. There is no filing fee for a domestic violence protective order.

3. Gather Supporting Evidence

Evidence may include:

• Text messages;
• Emails;
• Photographs;
• Medical records;
• Police reports;
• Call logs;
• Voicemails; and
• Statements from witnesses.

Our attorneys can help you organize and present this evidence effectively.

4. Attend the Hearing

If an extended protective order is requested, both parties will have an opportunity to appear and be heard.

We can prepare you for the hearing, present your case, and advocate for the protection you need.

You Do Not Have to Navigate This Process Alone

Although you can apply for a protective order on your own, having an experienced Las Vegas protective order attorney can help ensure your application is complete, your evidence is clearly presented, and your voice is heard at the hearing.

Call 702-609-8432 to speak with our team.

Served With a Protective Order? Know Your Rights

Not every accusation tells the full story. Protective orders are sometimes based on incomplete or false allegations. In some cases, they may be used as leverage in a contested divorce or custody dispute.

If you have been served with a temporary protective order in Las Vegas or Henderson, the consequences can be serious. An order may affect:

• Your time with your children;
• Your housing;
• Your firearm rights;
• Your reputation; and
• Your career.

You have the right to be heard. Our attorneys defend adverse parties at extended protective order hearings, challenge unsupported allegations, and work to protect your record and your relationship with your children.

If you are facing a hearing, do not wait to seek legal advice.

How a Protective Order Can Affect Your Divorce or Custody Case

A protective order rarely stands alone. It can determine who remains in the family home, shape a custody and visitation schedule, and influence how the court views each parent.

Because Cohen Fic & Squires focuses exclusively on family law, we can manage the protective order and the connected family law matter together, whether it involves:

• Divorce;
• Child custody and visitation;
• Child support; or
• Property division.

This coordinated approach helps protect both your immediate safety and your long-term interests.

Why Families Across Clark County Choose Cohen Fic & Squires

Since 2003, Cohen Fic & Squires has represented Las Vegas and Henderson families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Our firm holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer recognition a law firm can receive for legal ability and ethical standards.

Our partners bring a rare combination of courtroom experience, public-service leadership, and national recognition. Lesley Cohen brings the perspective of her service in the Nevada State Assembly, while Summer Squires has been recognized among the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys’ Top 10 Under 40 in Nevada.

Beyond credentials, our clients often tell us that what mattered most was feeling heard, protected, and never treated like just another case number.

In domestic violence matters, we combine compassion with the urgency that your safety demands. We proudly serve Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and communities throughout Clark County.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation

Your safety and your family come first. Contact Cohen Fic & Squires today to speak privately with our team about obtaining a protective order or defending against one.

Call us now: 702-609-8432

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does a Protective Order Last in Nevada?

A Temporary Protective Order can remain in effect for up to 45 days.

An Extended Protective Order, granted after a hearing, can last up to one year or up to two years when the court makes a specific finding of fact.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Get a Protective Order?

No. You can apply on your own through the Family Law Self-Help Center.

However, an experienced attorney can help ensure your application is complete, organize your evidence, and advocate for you at the extended order hearing. The outcome of that hearing can significantly affect your safety and your family.

Is There a Fee to File for a Domestic Violence Protective Order?

No. There is no filing fee to apply for a domestic violence protective order in Nevada.

I Was Served With a TPO That I Believe Is False. What Can I Do?

You have the right to respond and be heard at the extended protective order hearing.

Our attorneys defend adverse parties, challenge unsupported allegations, and work to protect your parental rights, record, and reputation. It is important to seek legal advice before your scheduled hearing date.

Can a Protective Order Affect My Custody Case?

Yes. A protective order can influence who remains in the family home, how custody and visitation are structured, and how the court evaluates each parent’s conduct.

Because our attorneys handle both protective orders and related family law matters, we can help align your immediate protection or defense with your long-term custody goals.

What Is the Difference Between a Protective Order and Criminal Domestic Violence Charges?

A protective order is a civil court order that restricts the adverse party’s contact and conduct.

Criminal domestic violence charges are a separate matter handled by the criminal courts. The two cases can proceed independently, and a protective order may remain in effect even if a related criminal charge is resolved.