A domestic violence protective order is one of the most powerful tools in Alaska law. It can remove someone from a home, restrict contact, and shape a custody case for years. Whether you are seeking one or you have been served with one, it deserves a lawyer.
Kaden represents both petitioners and respondents. He has seen protective orders used to keep people safe, and he has seen them used as leverage. Either way, the hearing moves fast and the record it creates lasts.
If you need protection
You can ask the court for a short-term (ex parte) order the same day you file, without the other person present. The court then sets a hearing on a long-term order, usually within a few weeks. At that hearing you have to show, by a preponderance of the evidence, that domestic violence occurred.
Kaden helps you prepare the petition so it is specific and complete, gathers the messages, photos, and witnesses that support it, and presents your case at the hearing. A long-term order can last a year or longer and can be extended.
If you have been served
Being served with a protective order petition does not mean the court has decided anything. It means there is a hearing coming, and what happens at that hearing matters. A long-term order can affect where you live, whether you can see your children, your ability to possess firearms, and your job.
Do not contact the petitioner, even to explain. Do not violate the temporary order. Call a lawyer. Kaden will review the petition, help you gather evidence, and represent you at the hearing.
Protective orders and custody
Alaska law presumes that a parent with a history of domestic violence should not have custody unless certain steps are taken. That makes protective order hearings a critical moment in any custody case. Whether you are the petitioner or the respondent, the outcome will follow you into the custody courtroom.
Kaden did a great job representing me in my divorce.
“Incredibly knowledgeable, thorough, and detail-oriented. What really stands out is his honesty and integrity.”
Protective Orders questions
Who can get a domestic violence protective order in Alaska?
A person who has experienced domestic violence by a household member. Alaska defines household member broadly: current or former spouses, people who live or lived together, people who are dating or dated, relatives, and people who have a child together.
How fast does a protective order hearing happen?
A short-term order can be granted the day the petition is filed. The hearing on a long-term order is set quickly afterward, often within two to three weeks. There is not much time to prepare, which is why calling a lawyer right away matters.
Can a protective order be dismissed or modified?
Yes. Either party can ask the court to modify or dissolve an order, and the petitioner can request dismissal. The court still decides.
Where we help with protective orders
Kaden handles protective orders matters for clients in Wasilla, Palmer, Anchorage, and the Mat-Su Valley. See all family law services.