There are three different types of orders that can be applied for depending on your situation. More information on the different types of orders is outlined below.
Civil restraining order
Civil restraining orders are also known as 'Section 28 Orders'. They are issued by a judge in the District Civil court. They direct a person to stop engaging in certain unwanted behaviours against another person, for example stalking and harassment. Stalking and harassment are unwanted patterns of behaviour that impact your daily life. They can cause you to feel distress or fear violence will be used against you. This includes but is not limited to following or impersonating a person, harmful threats or repeated unwanted contact.
Civil restraining orders can last up to five years unless a shorter timeframe is called out in the order. There is an €80 fee to make a civil restraining order application.
Please see our how to apply for a civil restraining order page for more information.
Ex- parte order
An ex-parte order is a temporary court order used in urgent situations where immediate action is required. You can apply when there is an immediate threat to your safety and welfare. It directs a person engaging in certain unwanted behaviours against another person to stop these behaviours. "Ex-parte" means the order is made without the other person being present in court. You can apply for an ex-parte order at the same time that you are making an application for a civil restraining order. There is no fee to apply for this order.
The ex-parte order lasts up to 8 days.
Please see our completing your ex-parte order application page for more information.
Interim order inter-partes
An interim order is a temporary court order. It can be applied for after you have made a civil restraining order application and the summons has been served on the respondent. Inter partes means that the respondent is aware that the application has been made. It is used in urgent situations where the behaviour of the respondent has gotten worse and immediate action is now required. It directs a person engaging in certain unwanted behaviours against another person to stop these behaviours. There is an additional €25 fee if you apply for this order. This type of order stays in place until your civil restraining order hearing is finalised.
At your civil restraining order hearing both sides can give their side of the story and the judge can decide if a longer restraining order is needed.
Please see our completing your interim order inter-parte application page for more information.
Please visit our how to apply for a civil restraining order page for more information on how to make an application.
If you have received a summons or an order please see our I have been served page for more information on what you can do.
