Restraining Order 911

This book discusses the process of defending oneself against a domestic abuse restraining order. These orders present some unique challenges in terms of defending oneself against them. They tend to proceed in two stages, with the initial order obtained in an ex parte proceeding that the petitioner has an opportunity to attend, but the respondent does not. This means that the restraining order process starts with a proceeding that tends to bias the court against the respondent, and this book goes over the realities that this creates for respondents defending themselves against such an order. Another problem is that there is very little time granted in these hearings to prepare for the final hearing--about one or two weeks--at which a decision will be made by the judge as to whether to vacate the order, or keep it in effect long term.The book describes the various steps--which as noted above have to be completed in a quite limited time period--that the respondent needs to follow. These include researching the law and case law, obtaining a copy of the petitioner's affidavit, preparing to cross-examine the petitioner, and proper courtroom etiquette. It also discusses various realities of restraining order law, including the role served by the Violence Against Women Act, possible real motivations for obtaining a restraining order, and how "victim witnesses" influence the process.I feel that the author does a good job of summarizing the process, but as someone who has been successfully sued for a restraining order twice by a Wisconsin woman, I do have significant reservations about this book. The book is quite short, and it is a topic that merits a longer and more detailed treatment. The author seems to make certain assumptions about the type of case the reader is involved with. The author seems to assume that the restraining order is being sought by a woman against a man as part of a divorce case where child custody is at issue. This is not the only situation in which restraining orders are pursued, although it is true that the majority of orders are sought by women against men and when they are the woman has a big advantage.The author also seems to be implicitly assuming a particular state where the restraining order is pursued. The author talks about a "permanent order" which is in force for life. Permanent orders aren't used in most states, although they are used in New Jersey, so I wonder if a lot of the author's advice is specific to New Jersey. In Wisconsin, for example, orders are typically issued for 4 years--in certain circumstances for 10 years--but they are never permanent although they can be renewed.My biggest criticism, though, is that the author includes a number of links to additional resources on the Web, including YouTube videos, other e-books, web links, and Facebook pages. Unfortunately, all of that material, although referenced in the book, no longer seems to be available on the Web. The value of this book would probably be a lot higher if that supporting material was still available. Overall this book is a good introduction to the topic but the author could have done much more with his topic.

But don't wait until it is too late like I did. The author advises: " don't assume justice will prevail" and that because you are innocent you won't walk out with a permanent order against you...that is what i did. Forget your previous beliefs about our justice system.. He describes all the non legal attitudes and unspoken realities that make this experience an absolute nightmare you never awake from

Insightful book that's right on with what to do in regards of fighting a PO. Ron's advice of representing oneself should only come with the proper self preparation and this book outlines....know one knows your situation better than you.

The bor had a lot of information I did not know and I am very glad I read this book. I have recommended it to others.

helped me destroy my exs claims that were baloney. She didn't stand a chance!

My ex-husband straight up caused me all kinds of grief and expense with restraining order(s). He was able to render me homeless without warning or provisions to move, but mainly he caused me trouble seeing my children with expensive mandated supervised visitation for which I had to travel ALL OVER the Denver Metro Area!My lawyer at the time (17 years ago) told me, "Judges hand these out like candy" to avoid being sued if the RO WAS needed, but was not issued. Most states have tightened up their RO laws now!Not suprisingly, men as generally the primary wage earners are more often the target. But women, like me, can also easily be targeted.Since I hassled with this stuff in 2003, I am pleased to say that it is now recognised that false restraining/protection orders are such a problem and so unfair, and finally vary from state to state, that generally laws have changed.I am happy to see that there is now the TV show "Protection Court" for anyone who needs to handle or prepare for this type of onslaught. The fact that there is TV show also demonstrates HOW COMMON this problem is!