The most common way to apply for a domestic violence order is through the District Court. Order 59 of the District Court Rules sets out the steps to be followed when applying. You can also apply through the Circuit Court or High Court.
The following steps relate to District Court applications only.
To find out how to apply for a Domestic Violence order, please indicate whether or not you require the immediate protection of a temporary or short-term order. The application process below will vary depending on which you select.
Where to Apply
Before applying, you will need to decide which District Court office to contact - the one where you currently live or where you would normally live. You might also need urgent help from the Gardaí or a support group.
Confirm the court order you want to apply for
Court office staff will let you know the domestic violence order options available if you are unsure what to apply for. If you are not eligible you might want to get legal advice to understand your options.
Complete the paperwork
Inform court office staff if you need - or are considering - immediate temporary or short-term protection. Office staff will let you know your domestic violence order options and help you complete relevant paperwork.
Attend court hearing for immediate domestic violence order
After completing the paperwork, court office staff will arrange for you to make your application to a judge at a private court hearing. The hearing and judge's decision could be on the same day.
Respondent is served
The Courts Service or the Gardaí will serve the respondent with all relevant documents on your behalf.
Attend full court hearing for Safety Order, Barring Order or both
You will get a summons to attend a private court hearing where a judge will decide on your application for the long-term protection of a Safety Order or Barring Order. The respondent may or may not be present.
After the court hearing
After the court hearing, both you and respondent will each receive a copy of the court order as soon as it is ready. If you are not happy with the judge's decision, you can follow an appeals process.
Where to Apply
Before applying, you will need to decide which District Court office to contact - the one where you currently live or where you would normally live. You might also need urgent help from the Gardaí or a support group.
Confirm the court order you want to apply for
Court office staff will let you know the domestic violence order options available if you are unsure what to apply for. There are other protective remedies if you are not eligible.
Attend full court hearing for Safety Order, Barring Order or both
You will get a summons to attend a private court hearing where a judge will decide on your application for the long-term protection of a Safety Order or Barring Order. The respondent may or may not be present.
After the court hearing
After the court hearing, both you and respondent will receive a copy of the court order as soon as it is ready. If you are not happy with the judge's decision, you can follow an appeals process.