An Emergency Protective Order (EPO) is a court order issued in response to an allegation of violence on behalf of a Petitioner. It is a civil order that, when signed by a District Judge, serves to protect the Petitioner from further acts of violence by the Respondent. The Office of the Rowan County Sheriff will be asked to serve a copy of the EPO upon the Respondent once it has been signed by a judge, assigned a court date, and issued.
HOW TO APPLY
The applicant must fill out a detailed affidavit describing the actions and behavior of the adverse party that placed the applicant’s physical or mental well-being at risk. In addition, the applicant must show that the adverse party has acted and continues to act in a pattern or "course of conduct" that over time evinces a continuity of purpose directed at their person. The applicant may include any number of supporting documents, including, but not limited to:
- Documentation of phone calls
- Notes left by adverse party
- Pictures of property damage, etc.
- Answering machine recordings
This affidavit must be legible and should include the relevant dates and times of the adverse activities. These requirements are necessary so that a coherent portrayal may be presented to the judge who reviews the affidavit. Once the affidavit is presented to the reviewing judge, he or she will either grant or deny the request for emergency protection. The applicant will be contacted by a court clerk and informed of the judge’s decision. If the emergency protective order is granted, a copy of said must be served to both parties before it enters into force.
WHERE TO FILE AN ORDER
All Emergency Protective Orders are filed in the District Courthouse. The Domestic Violence Clerk’s Office is located in the District Courthouse; it is open Monday-Friday, 8:30am to 3:00pm, and may be contacted at 606-783-8505. After hours, call 606-784-6880.
Click here to review the Kentucky Revised Statutes 403.700 – 403.785 for more information pertaining to EPOs and domestic violence.