Orders for Protection

Anyone seeking an Order for Protection (OFP) must contact the Ramsey County Domestic Abuse/Harassment Office. The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office does not issue OFPs. All orders are issued through District Court.

General information

Domestic abuse occurs to a family or household member if committed by a family or household member (Minnesota Statutes §518B.01, subd. 2(b). A family or household member is defined as:

• Spouse or former spouse.
• Parents and children.
• Persons related by blood.
• Persons who are currently living together or who have lived together in the past.
• Persons who have a child in common, regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time.
• A man or woman if the woman is pregnant and the man is alleged to be the father, regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time.
• Persons involved in a significant romantic or sexual relationship.

"A petition for relief under this section may be made by any family or household member personally or by a family or household member, a guardian as defined in section §524.1-201, clause (20), or, if the court finds that it is in the best interests of the minor, by a reputable adult age 25 or older on behalf of minor family or household members. A minor age 16 or older may make a petition on the minor's own behalf against a spouse or former spouse, or a person with whom the minor has a child in common, if the court determines that the minor has sufficient maturity and judgment and that it is in the best interests of the minor."

If "an immediate and present danger of domestic abuse," is alleged in the petition and affidavit, a Judicial Officer will decide if an emergency (ex-parte) OFP should be issued.

A court hearing is required for certain types of relief. If a hearing is required, a Judicial officer will hear testimony and will decide if a long-term OFP should be issued.

If an OFP is granted, and the respondent was not present and there is an address for the respondent in Ramsey County, the Domestic Abuse/Harassment Office will provide the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office a copy of the OFP to serve the respondent. The Domestic Abuse/Harassment Office also provides a copy of the OFP to the local law enforcement agency where the petitioner lives. If requested by the petitioner, the Sheriff’s Office may be ordered to accompany the petitioner to either obtain possession of a residence or assist in carrying out or serving the OFP.

Call 9-1-1 to report incidents of domestic abuse, and a deputy/officer will assist you. However, it is not necessary to have filed a police report in order to obtain an OFP.

To obtain an OFP in Ramsey County, contact the Ramsey County Domestic Abuse/Harassment Office for an appointment.