NC Judicial Branch
Official forms, courthouse locations, and step-by-step guidance for filing a protective order in NC.
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Protective orders
A plain-language guide to the protective orders available under NC law — what they are, who can file, how the process works, and what they can and cannot do.
Legal information, not legal advice
This page describes NC law as of September 2026. Laws and court procedures change. This is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney familiar with your specific situation.
For free legal help: Legal Aid of NC · (866) 219-5262 · legalaidnc.org
What is a protective order?
A protective order is a civil court order that legally prohibits a person from contacting or coming near you. In NC, the main types are:
- 50B — Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO): For people with a qualifying domestic or intimate-partner relationship who have experienced domestic violence as defined by NC law. See NC Gen. Stat. § 50B-1.
- 50C — Civil No-Contact Order: For stalking or nonconsensual sexual conduct by someone who does not have a qualifying domestic relationship with you. See NC Gen. Stat. § 50C-1.
This page focuses on 50B orders. See the legal rights page for information about 50C orders and other topics.
Who can file for a 50B order?
You must have a qualifying relationship with the respondent (the person you are seeking the order against) AND allege that one or more covered acts occurred. Qualifying relationships include:
- Current or former spouses
- Persons of the opposite sex who currently or previously lived together
- Parents and children, other relatives living in the same household
- Current or former household members
- Persons who have a child together
- For sexual assault offenses, any person regardless of relationship
You may file on your own behalf or on behalf of a minor child living with you. Source: § 50B-2.
If you do not have a qualifying relationship, a 50C order or criminal process may be available instead.
How the process works
- Filing. Go to the civil division of your county's District Court. Ask the clerk for a Complaint and Motion for Domestic Violence Protective Order (Form CVS-462). Filing is free. You do not need a lawyer to file, though having one can help — especially at the hearing.
- Ex parte (temporary) order. A judge can review your filing the same day and grant a temporary order without the respondent being present, if good cause is shown. This order is in effect until the full hearing. It is served on the respondent by law enforcement.
- Full hearing. A hearing with both parties is scheduled within ten days of the ex parte order (continuances are possible). You will need to appear and present your account to the judge. The respondent has the right to appear and respond.
- Final order. If the judge finds domestic violence occurred, a final order may be entered for up to one year. It can be renewed before expiration. Both parties receive a copy; the order is entered into a statewide law enforcement database.
What a 50B order can do
A judge may grant some or all of the following relief — not every request is automatic. The order reflects what the judge finds appropriate given the evidence presented.
- Direct the respondent to stop committing acts of domestic violence
- Exclude the respondent from your residence, even if they jointly own or rent it
- Award temporary possession of a vehicle or other personal property
- Award temporary custody of minor children and set visitation conditions
- Prohibit the respondent from purchasing, possessing, or transferring firearms (under NC law and, independently, under federal law — 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(8))
- Require the respondent to attend a domestic violence intervention program
- Grant other relief the court finds necessary
Source: § 50B-3
Important limits
A protective order is a legal tool, not a physical barrier. It creates legal consequences for contact or violation but cannot prevent an abusive person from choosing to violate it. Having a protective order should be part of a broader safety plan — not a replacement for one.
- A judge may not grant all requested relief. Some requests, such as temporary custody or firearm prohibition, require supporting evidence.
- Service on the respondent is required before the order can be enforced against them. Law enforcement handles service; you do not need to serve the respondent yourself.
- A 50B order only covers conduct by the named respondent. It does not protect against others.
- Violating a protective order is a misdemeanor and can be a felony for repeat violations or violations involving assault. Call 911 immediately if the order is violated. § 50B-4.1.
Getting help
Legal Aid of NC
Free civil legal help for qualifying individuals. Attorneys can represent you at hearings and advise on your options.
legalaidnc.orgLocal DV program
Local domestic violence programs often have legal advocates who can accompany you to the courthouse and help you navigate the process.
Find local resourcesNeed immediate help?
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24 hours a day and can help connect you with local legal advocates.