Restraining Order Attorney in Delray Beach

Types of Injunctions for Protection in Palm Beach County

Florida law provides five categories of injunctions for protection, each covering specific relationships and circumstances. There’s no filing fee for any of them in Palm Beach County.

The five categories are:

• Domestic Violence (Fla. Stat. 741.28–741.31): Covers spouses, former spouses, people related by blood or marriage, those who have lived together as a family, and individuals who share a child in common.
• Repeat Violence (Fla. Stat. 784.046): Requires two incidents of violence or stalking, at least one of which occurred within six months of the petition filing.
• Dating Violence (Fla. Stat. 784.046): Applies to individuals who have or recently had a continuing, significant romantic or intimate relationship within the past six months.
• Sexual Violence (Fla. Stat. 784.046): Can be sought for a single qualifying incident, provided it was reported to law enforcement.
• Stalking & Cyberstalking (Fla. Stat. 784.0485): Addresses both physical stalking and harassment conducted through electronic means.

How the Protective Order Process Works

A petition is filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller for Palm Beach County. The Domestic Violence Department maintains a branch office at the South County Courthouse in Delray Beach, making it accessible for petitioners in our area. A judge reviews the petition the same day it is filed and may issue a temporary injunction ex parte (meaning the respondent isn’t present) if the petitioner appears to be in imminent danger.

That temporary injunction can remain in effect for up to 15 days, after which the court schedules a final hearing. Both sides have the right to present testimony, witnesses, and evidence at that hearing. Under Florida Statute 741.30(6)(b), courts weigh the history of threats, prior orders of protection, use of weapons, and other listed factors when deciding whether to grant a final order.

If a final injunction is granted, it may require the respondent to:

• Stay at least 500 feet from the petitioner’s home, workplace, school, and regularly frequented locations
• Cease all direct and indirect contact
• Surrender any firearms to law enforcement
• Participate in a batterer’s intervention program or counseling

The court may also address temporary custody of minor children, visitation, child support, and alimony within the same order. Under Florida Statute 741.30, final injunctions don’t expire automatically; they remain in force until a court modifies or vacates them. Violating any term is a criminal offense that can result in fines, probation, or imprisonment.

When Protective Orders Intersect with Custody & Divorce

A domestic violence injunction entered during an active divorce or custody dispute can affect timesharing schedules, parental responsibility determinations, and child support obligations in ways that may outlast the injunction itself. Florida courts prioritize child safety when domestic violence allegations are present, and a granted injunction may appear in background checks, potentially affecting a respondent’s employment and housing prospects.

We also represent clients who have been falsely accused of family violence as a tactical move in divorce or custody proceedings. Because we handle both the injunction response and the underlying family law matter, nothing falls through the gap between two separate legal files. That integrated approach reflects our family-law focus.

Why Delray Beach Families Choose Beaulieu-Fawcett | Newell Law Group, P.A.

Our firm’s focus on family law means every credential we’ve built applies directly to your situation. Since 2006, we’ve represented clients across Palm Beach County in the full range of family court matters, including protective order proceedings.

Recognition & Credentials
Our attorneys hold an AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer-review rating for ethical standards and professional excellence. Attorney Beaulieu-Fawcett was selected to the Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” list in 2009 and 2012 through 2016, placing her in the top 2.5% of attorneys in Florida. The firm has been named a Law Firm 500 Honoree, recognized among the “10 Best Law Firms in Florida for Client Satisfaction” by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys (2017), awarded “Best Divorce Lawyers” by Expertise.com in 2021 and 2022, and listed in the Boca Raton Observer’s “Top Lawyers” for 2025.

Personalized Attention
No two families arrive at a protective order proceeding the same way. We take the time to understand your specific circumstances before advising on strategy, whether you’re a petitioner seeking safety or a respondent working to protect your parental rights and reputation.

Trial Readiness
We pursue workable, lower-conflict resolutions when the situation permits. When it doesn’t, our attorneys are prepared to present your case at the final hearing and advocate on your behalf in Palm Beach County’s Unified Family Court.

Talk to a Protective Order Attorney in Delray Beach

Protective order proceedings move fast, and the consequences can follow you for years. Our team is ready to listen, assess your situation honestly, and help you determine your next step. We offer a free case assessment for clients throughout Delray Beach and Palm Beach County.

Call (561) 600-5711 or contact Beaulieu-Fawcett | Newell Law Group, P.A. today to get started.