Protective Orders Attorney Serving Edina, MN

At RWI Law, we represent people in Edina and throughout the Twin Cities who need to petition for a protective order, as well as those who have been served with one and need to respond. We know how Minnesota's domestic abuse laws work, we know how Hennepin County Family Court handles these cases, and we are ready to act with the urgency your situation demands.

Call RWI Law at (320) 408-2614 or contact us online to speak with a protective orders attorney today.

What Is an Order for Protection?

An Order for Protection (OFP) is a court order issued under the Minnesota Domestic Abuse Act that prohibits a person from having contact with or being near another person. It is available to individuals who have experienced domestic abuse by a family member, household member, or someone with whom they have or had a romantic or sexual relationship.

Under Minnesota law, an OFP can be granted on an emergency basis, meaning a judge can issue the order based on your petition alone without the other party present. This is called an "ex parte" order. It gives you immediate legal protection while the court schedules a hearing for the other party to respond.

Once issued, an OFP generally remains in effect for up to two years and can be extended. Violating a protective order is a criminal offense in Minnesota.

What Can a Protective Order Cover?

Courts can include a wide range of provisions in an OFP based on your circumstances. These may include:

• No-contact provisions prohibiting any form of communication, including phone, text, email, and social media
• Exclusion from the residence, even if the respondent is on the lease or mortgage
• Stay-away distances from your home, workplace, children's school, or other locations you regularly visit
• Temporary custody and restricted parenting time when children are involved
• Surrender of firearms to law enforcement
• Financial support, including child support or spousal maintenance during the OFP period
• Other relief the court deems necessary to protect your safety and stability

These provisions are tailored to your specific situation. The goal is to give you a legally enforceable barrier between yourself and the person who has threatened or harmed you.

Who Can Petition for an OFP?

You may be eligible to petition for an Order for Protection if you have experienced domestic abuse by someone who is a family member, household member, or a person with whom you have had a romantic or sexual relationship. Under Minnesota law, "domestic abuse" includes physical assault, sexual assault, threats of imminent harm, and unlawful interference with a 911 call.

OFPs can also be sought on behalf of minor children who have been abused or who are at risk of harm. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, a consultation with one of our attorneys can help you understand your options.

We Also Represent Respondents

If you have been served with an OFP and believe the allegations are inaccurate, exaggerated, or retaliatory, you have the right to request a hearing and contest the order. A protective order that is granted without a proper legal challenge can have serious consequences, including restrictions on your housing, your access to your children, and your ability to possess firearms.

At RWI Law, we represent respondents in OFP hearings and work to ensure that your side of the story is heard and that any order entered accurately reflects the facts. We have conducted numerous OFP trials in Hennepin County and have helped clients reach favorable outcomes on both sides of these cases.

What to Expect in an OFP Case & How We Help at Every Step

Understanding the process before you walk into court can ease some of the fear and uncertainty that comes with these situations. Here is how a typical OFP case unfolds:

• Filing the Petition. You or your attorney file a petition with the court describing the abuse or threats you have experienced, and you can request an emergency, ex parte order at the time of filing. We help you prepare a clear, complete, and well-supported petition.
• Service on the Respondent. Once the order is issued, the respondent must be formally served, and the court sets a hearing date. We handle the procedural details and keep you informed about timelines so there are no surprises about what comes next or when.
• The OFP Hearing. Both parties have the opportunity to present evidence and testimony. The petitioner bears the burden of proving that domestic abuse occurred or is reasonably feared; the respondent has the right to contest the allegations. We prepare you thoroughly for the hearing, organize your documentation and testimony, and represent you before the judge.
• Final Order. Based on the evidence, the judge will decide whether to issue a longer-term OFP, dismiss the matter, or modify the terms. We present your position clearly and advocate for the specific provisions you need, whether that is no-contact terms, temporary custody, firearm surrender, or other protective measures.
• Modifications, Extensions, & Enforcement. OFPs can be modified as circumstances change and extended before they expire. If the respondent violates the order, we advise you on documenting the violation and pursuing the appropriate legal response, whether through law enforcement or back through the court.

Why Choose RWI Law As Your Advocates

RWI Law has built its reputation in the Twin Cities on a clear set of commitments that are reflected in how we handle every case.

• We go the distance for our clients. Our team is known for its work ethic and its willingness to take cases to trial when that is what serves the client's interests. In OFP matters, this means we do not simply file paperwork and hope for the best. We prepare thoroughly, anticipate the arguments the other side may raise, and present your case with precision.
• We communicate clearly and consistently. Legal proceedings can feel disorienting, especially in situations involving personal safety. We keep clients informed at every stage of their case, explain what each step means, and respond to questions promptly.
• We bring courtroom experience to OFP trials. Protective order cases are not resolved on paper alone. Our attorneys have conducted numerous trials in Hennepin County, which means we understand how these hearings proceed, how to present evidence effectively, and how to respond when the other side challenges your account.
• We treat clients with respect, honesty, and attention. Family law and safety matters are among the most personal and stressful legal challenges anyone can face. We never take that lightly. Our accessible and supportive environment reflects our belief that every client deserves to be heard and taken seriously.
• We serve clients in both English and Spanish. Our services are available in English and Spanish, so we can better serve the Edena community.

If you need to seek or respond to an Order for Protection, we are here to help. Contact us online or call (320) 408-2614 to schedule a consultation and discuss your options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Protective Orders

How quickly can I get an Order for Protection? 

An emergency, ex parte OFP can sometimes be issued the same day you file, depending on the court's schedule and the judge's review of your petition.

Do I have to appear in court? 

For a contested hearing, both parties are typically expected to appear. Our attorneys will prepare you for what to expect, help you organize your testimony and documentation, and represent you throughout the proceeding.

What if the respondent violates the order? 

A violation of an OFP is a criminal offense in Minnesota. You can report violations to local law enforcement or seek enforcement through the court. We advise clients on documenting violations and pursuing appropriate legal responses.

What is the difference between an OFP and a Harassment Restraining Order (HRO)? 

An OFP is available specifically for domestic abuse situations involving family members, household members, or romantic partners. A Harassment Restraining Order is available in cases of harassment or stalking that may not involve a domestic relationship. We can help you determine which type of order fits your situation.

Can I get a protective order that includes my children?

Yes. An OFP can include provisions that protect your minor children, address temporary custody, and restrict the respondent's parenting time when the court determines it is necessary to prevent harm to the children.

Beyond the Protective Order: Comprehensive Support

In our experience handling OFP cases, it is one part of a larger legal picture. Divorce, child custody, financial support, and safety often intersect in the same situation. Because RWI Law devotes a significant portion of its practice to family law, we handle all of these matters and can address them together rather than treating each in isolation.

We regularly assist clients with divorce and legal separation, child custody and parenting time when safety is a concern, child support and spousal maintenance, modifications and enforcement of existing orders, and Harassment Restraining Orders (HROs) as an alternative or complement to an OFP.