DC Civil Protection Order (CPO)

A Civil Protective Order (CPO) is an order issued by a court in Washington, DC, restricting one individual from interacting with another individual. A typical CPO restricts contact, communication, harassment, assault, threatening, and stalking. More recently, CPOs have also been used to address online or cyber issues. For example, a person may be restricted from posting images or information about another individual on the Internet or transmitting them through email.

What Requirements Are Necessary to Obtain a Civil Protective Order in DC?

Generally speaking, the person from whom you are seeking protection must be “a family member, roommate, someone with whom you had a dating relationship or a child in common, are or were married to, or if they previously dated your current or former boyfriend or girlfriend. You may also file if you are the victim of stalking, sexual assault, or sexual abuse.”

You must also prove that the other individual threatened to commit a crime against you or did, in fact, commit a crime against you. A DC divorce attorney can help you with these steps, especially regarding Civil Protective Orders in this social media age.

How do I get a Civil Protective Order from the Court?

In order to obtain a CPO, you will first need to go to the D.C. Superior Court and file a petition for a CPO. A judge will then review your petition and may grant you a temporary protective order. A hearing date will then be set, usually approximately two weeks from the issuance of the temporary protective order, at which time the parties will present evidence to the court regarding the allegations set forth in the petition, and the petition will be either granted or denied.

If you have any questions about this process, please call us for a consultation at 202-276-1167 or contact us online to schedule your consultation. We’d be happy to help you navigate your protective order in DC, the legal jargon, and the beneficial steps for you.

Practice Areas

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 40 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Kleio Jiang 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I reached out to Sheraz to work out a prenup for me and my fiance. Working with Sheraz is honestly the best, most straight-forward process I could ever hope for. From his free intro call to his insanely quick turn-around with documents, I trusted him with the process and I'm so glad I did! The whole process took less than 2 weeks and our calls were informative and efficient. His pricing is also really reasonable and so worth it for the quality of his representation. I would definitely recommend him to anyone who wants to be able to fully trust their lawyer because he thought of things I didn't even consider and made the process really easy and stress-free.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kevin Stroop 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend Sheraz and his team. He helped me through a very difficult situation and was always available when I needed him. When emotions were running high, it was incredibly reassuring to have Sheraz there to keep me grounded and on task. If you're looking for an amazing lawyer to have in your corner, Sheraz is your guy.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   samia Nikkhah 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a great experience working with Sheraz. He’s very professional and knowledgeable. He’s also really great about responding in a timely manner. I greatly recommend Barkat law to anyone who’s looking for a reliable family law practice.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jason Tyszko 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Barkat Law Firm was very helpful and easy to work.  They were responsive and available to answer questions throughout my engagement with them.  I recommend them for your legal needs.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sean Smith 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sheraz was incredibly helpful in my child support case, which involved changing domicile from Michigan to Washington DC. He provided me with a roadmap for success and was very fair with his fees. In fact, I even received a refund. I highly recommend him as your lawyer.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Chad Hrdina 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Most importantly, I would hire Sheraz again without hesitation. He is an outstanding attorney and representative. Sheraz is personable, understanding, and collegial. Most importantly, he listens to client concerns, addressed them, and keeps the case focused on the legal matters at hand: which is critical when proceedings get emotional, petty, irrational, dramatic. I relied on him for divorce services and he was very professional, kept me fully apprised, and was fiscally responsible. Sheraz provided outstanding legal advice, and services, and navigated a complex situation to get me an equitable divorce agreement that I was happy with. When things got irrational or nonsensical, Sheraz kept our efforts focused on being responsive to the court, and provided explanation and reassurance, that all the noise, while a reality, was not relevant to the court or our efforts. This was critical in enabling me to understand what mattered and what did not (the drama), and that made it much more easy for me (to not worry). He advised me on the realities of my situation, including what was in my favor, what was expected of me, my rights as a spouse, and generally what I could expect from the court. This was extremely helpful because it disabused me of any preconceived notions and enabled me to refocus my energy on what was possible. I did not always like the legal realities Sheraz explained, but accepted them, which enabled me to have realistic expectations and to focus on an equitable divorce agreement. Again, Sheraz is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and effective. I am very appreciative of his services, and would hire him again without hesitation.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tyrus Chisley 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend! I’ve had several attorneys dealing with my family court case and Sheraz was by far the best attorney that I had. From the very first day that I entered his office, he made sure that he did everything he could to get my case resolved. I felt heard every step of the way and he did everything in his power to make sure that I got what I needed. Sheraz took his time to explain every proceeding and answer all questions that I had. He made sure that I knew all of my options and understood each of them. His communication is top notch, whenever I needed to reach him he was always available. If he needed to he would even correspond with me while he was out of the office. This meant a lot to me as there were issues that needed to be resolved at that moment. If you are looking for a great attorney then I definitely suggest you retain this one! I couldn’t be more pleased with the representation that I received. Thank you again Sheraz you are the best!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Chris Coleman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I attained Mr Barkat for a child custody case and he has exceptional knowledge of the law. He listens to his client and makes sure that they get the best outcome. I recommend him unequivocally!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Meg Dailey 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sheraz Barkat is not only good at what he does, he is also a very thoughtful and kind person. He took the time to explain each step of the proceedings, each item in every document, and was always available to answer my questions whenever needed. He was also very on top of everything, which really helped to ease my mind. 11/10 would recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dawn Howell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very nice to deal with.

DC Civil Protection Order (CPO)

What Requirements Are Necessary to Obtain a Civil Protective Order in DC?

How do I get a Civil Protective Order from the Court?

Get A Free Consultation

Practice Areas