Domestic Violence & Protective Orders
Pursuing immediate protection and clear, enforceable relief through North Carolina protective order proceedings.
Protective orders are court orders intended to help keep individuals safe from domestic violence, abuse, or credible threats. In North Carolina, these cases move quickly and can have immediate consequences such as restrictions on contact, removal from a shared residence, temporary custody provisions, and other forms of relief designed to protect the safety and stability of the protected party.
Domestic Violence Protective Orders (50B / DVPO)
A Domestic Violence Protective Order—often called a DVPO, a “50B,” or a restraining order, is a civil order available when the parties have a qualifying relationship and the court finds an act of domestic violence as defined by North Carolina law.
Two stages of protection may apply:
- Ex Parte Temporary Order: Short-term protection that may be granted quickly to address immediate safety concerns.
- Final Domestic Violence Protection Order (50B order): A longer-term order entered after a scheduled hearing, where both parties have an opportunity to be heard.
Who May File
Any person living in North Carolina may file for a DVPO, regardless of citizenship or immigration status.
Qualifying relationships commonly include:
- A spouse or former spouse
- A current or former household member
- A person with whom you share a child
- A person of the opposite sex with whom you have or had a dating relationship
- A parent, child, grandparent, or grandchild
Conduct That May Support a DVPO
To obtain a DVPO, the court must find that the defendant committed an act of domestic violence. While every case is unique, several categories of conduct may qualify.
Examples of qualifying conduct include:
- Causing or attempting to cause physical injury
- Placing a person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury
- Repeated harassment, typically involving multiple wrongful acts without a legitimate purpose that cause substantial emotional distress
- Sexual assault
Protective Orders When There Is No Qualifying Relationship (50C)
If you do not have a relationship that qualifies for a DVPO, North Carolina may still provide protection in certain situations involving sexual assault or stalking through a civil no-contact order, often called a “50C” order. The filing process is similar in many respects, but enforcement can differ.
Key distinction:
- Violations of a 50B order are generally enforceable through criminal arrest.
- Violations of a 50C order are typically enforced through the court’s contempt powers rather than automatic arrest.
At Bosquez Porter Family Law, we provide strategic, client-centered representation in domestic violence and protective order matters under North Carolina law. Whether you are seeking urgent protection, responding to allegations, or navigating how a protective order may affect custody, housing, or future family law proceedings, our attorneys approach these cases with discretion, clarity, and a focus on securing stable, enforceable outcomes.
We are here to help!
If you need immediate protection or have been served with a protective order, we can help you understand your options and take the next step quickly under North Carolina law.
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