Restraining Order Information in Salem County, NJ

Learn about temporary restraining orders, final restraining orders, court support, and local advocacy resources for survivors of domestic violence in Salem County.

Clear Information for a Difficult Legal Process

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Trying to understand restraining orders during a crisis can feel overwhelming. You may be worried about your safety, your children, your home, your phone, your court date, or what might happen next. You may also be trying to make decisions quickly while dealing with fear, confusion, or pressure from someone who has hurt or threatened you.


Salem County Women’s Services provides confidential support for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Salem County. While advocates do not replace legal advice from an attorney, they can help you understand available resources, prepare for next steps, and connect with legal and court-related support.

A Legal and Safety-Planning Tool

What Is a Restraining Order?

A restraining order is a court order that can help protect a person from someone who has committed domestic violence against them. In New Jersey, restraining orders may include protections that order the other person not to contact you, not to come near your home, workplace, school, or other locations, and not to communicate by phone, text, email, social media, or through another person. A temporary order may also address immediate issues involving children, housing, support, or possession of certain property.


A restraining order is a legal tool, but it is only one part of safety planning. If you are thinking about applying for a restraining order, an advocate can help you talk through safety concerns, privacy concerns, and local resources before, during, or after the court process.

Hands writing on a notebook beside printed documents and a laptop on a desk

Temporary Restraining Orders and Final Restraining Orders

Temporary Restraining Order, or TRO

A Temporary Restraining Order is usually the first restraining order issued in a domestic violence case. A TRO may be granted when a judge finds that immediate protection is needed before a full court hearing can take place.


In New Jersey, a person can generally apply for a Temporary Restraining Order through the Family Division of the Superior Court during court hours, or through a local police department when court is closed, such as evenings, weekends, or holidays. 

Final Restraining Order, or FRO

A Final Restraining Order may be issued after a court hearing. At the hearing, the judge listens to information from both sides and decides whether a final order should be entered. Legal Services of New Jersey explains that a Temporary Restraining Order remains in place while someone waits for the Final Restraining Order hearing, including if the hearing date is adjourned.


A Final Restraining Order can have long-term legal effects. If you have questions about your rights, evidence, court preparation, custody, support, or legal representation, it may help to contact a legal services provider or attorney.

Who May Be Able to Apply for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in New Jersey?

New Jersey domestic violence restraining orders are generally connected to specific types of relationships. Legal Services of New Jersey explains that a person may qualify if they are or were married to the abuser, share a child with the abuser, are pregnant with a child in common, are over 18 and currently live with or previously lived with the abuser, or are in or were in a dating relationship with the abuser.


Every situation is different. If you are unsure whether your relationship or situation qualifies, you can contact Salem County Women’s Services, New Jersey Courts, Legal Services of New Jersey, or another qualified legal resource for guidance.

Where Can You File for a Restraining Order in New Jersey?

If you are seeking a restraining order in Salem County, there may be different options depending on the time of day and your immediate safety needs.


During regular court hours, domestic violence restraining order applications are typically handled through the Superior Court Family Division. When court is closed, a person may be able to apply through a local police department. New Jersey Courts explains that someone may apply in the county where they live, where the other person lives, where the domestic violence happened, or where they are sheltered or temporarily staying.


For local court information, visitors can use the New Jersey Courts domestic violence self-help resources or contact the Salem County Family Division through the official court system.

What Can a Restraining Order Include?

A Temporary Restraining Order may include several types of immediate protections depending on the facts of the case and what the court decides. The Salem County Prosecutor’s Office notes that a New Jersey Temporary Restraining Order may include orders requiring the person who committed domestic violence to stay away from the protected person, home, workplace, school, or another location; maintain a certain distance; avoid calls, texts, emails, mail, or other contact; and avoid contact with other relevant people. It may also include temporary visitation arrangements and temporary support until the matter is addressed further by the court.


A restraining order may be able to address concerns such as:

  • No contact by phone, text, email, social media, or third parties
  • Staying away from your home, workplace, school, or another location
  • Temporary arrangements involving children
  • Temporary financial or housing-related concerns
  • Possession of personal belongings or important documents
  • Other protections the court believes are appropriate


The exact protections available depend on the situation and the judge’s decision.

How to Prepare Before Court

Preparing for court can feel intimidating, especially if you are still dealing with fear, trauma, or pressure from the other person. You do not have to figure everything out alone.


It may help to gather and organize information such as:

  • Dates and descriptions of incidents
  • Screenshots, texts, emails, voicemails, photos, or call logs
  • Medical records or police reports, if available
  • Names of witnesses, if any
  • Information about children, shared housing, finances, or safety concerns
  • Notes about why protection is needed now


Legal Services of New Jersey offers self-help resources on preparing for domestic violence hearings, presenting evidence, requesting more time, amending a TRO, and understanding the restraining order process.

Legal Help and Advocacy Support

Some survivors may want help from an attorney or legal aid organization before a Final Restraining Order hearing. Legal Services of New Jersey’s Domestic Violence Representation Project provides free assistance to income-eligible victims of domestic violence in civil cases. Services may include advice and, when resources allow, direct representation for final restraining order hearings and related matters such as custody, parenting time, divorce, spousal support, and child support.


Salem County Women’s Services can also help survivors understand advocacy options, court-related support, and referrals. Advocates can provide emotional support, safety planning, and practical guidance as you consider your next steps.

Three black user silhouettes on a white background, representing a group icon

Need Help Understanding Your Options?

You do not have to know exactly what to do before reaching out. Salem County Women’s Services can help you talk through your concerns, understand available resources, and connect with support for domestic violence, sexual assault, legal advocacy, safety planning, housing instability, and related needs.



Support is available for people in Salem, Pennsville, Carneys Point, Penns Grove, Woodstown, and communities throughout Salem County.