The most common way to apply for a domestic violence order is through the District Court. Order 59 of the District Court Rules sets out the steps to be followed when applying. You can also apply through the Circuit Court or High Court.
The following steps relate to District Court applications only.
Complete and file Application form
To apply for a Domestic Violence order you should complete an Application for a Domestic Violence order. The form contains information about each of the orders and what you are eligible to apply for based on your relationship to the respondent.
Attend court hearing for interim domestic violence order
After you have completed and filed your application in the court office, court office staff will arrange for you to make your application to a judge at a court hearing.
Respondent is served
The Courts Service or the Gardaí will serve the respondent with all relevant documents on your behalf.
Attend full court hearing for Safety Order, Barring Order or both
You will get a summons to attend a private court hearing where a judge will decide on your application for the long-term protection of a Safety Order or Barring Order. The respondent may or may not be present.
After the court hearing
After the court hearing, both you and respondent will each receive a copy of the court order as soon as it is ready. If you are not happy with the judge's decision, you can follow an appeals process.