How to Fight an Order of Protection in Arkansas

If you have been served with an order of protection in Arkansas, the first thing to understand is that you still have the right to be heard. An ex parte temporary order can be issued before you have had a chance to tell your side, but the court must hold a hearing before deciding whether to enter a final order.

That hearing matters, because an order of protection can affect where you live, whether you can contact someone, and in some cases, temporary custody or visitation with your children. Ignoring it or assuming you can explain everything later can make the situation worse.

At The Graham Law Firm PLLC, we help people throughout Northeast Arkansas understand exactly what the order says, prepare for the hearing, and make sure their side of the story is actually presented.

FIrst, Read the Order Carefully

Start with the paperwork you were served.

An Arkansas ex parte order of protection may require you to leave a shared residence, stay away from certain places, stop contacting the petitioner, or comply with temporary custody or support terms. The order remains effective until the hearing unless the court orders otherwise.

Even if you believe the allegations are false or exaggerated, follow the order while it is in effect. Violating an order of protection can create a separate criminal problem.

Prepare for the Hearing

This is where you get the opportunity to respond.

Arkansas law generally requires the court to schedule the hearing within 30 days of the petition being filed or at the next available court date, whichever is later. The respondent must generally be served with the petition, any temporary order, and hearing notice at least five days before the hearing.

Do not treat the hearing like an informal conversation. The judge will be deciding whether the allegations support a final order of protection and what restrictions, if any, should remain in place.

“If someone has filed an order of protection against you, this is not the time to react emotionally. Read the order, follow it, and start preparing. The hearing is your opportunity to put the facts in front of the court.” - Attorney Lauren Graham 

Gather Evidence That Tells the Full Story

A strong defense starts with evidence, not just disagreement.

Depending on the allegations, useful evidence may include:

• Text messages, emails, or social media messages
• Call logs or voicemails
• Photographs or video
• Witnesses who saw or heard relevant events
• Records showing where you were at the time of an alleged incident
• Prior communications that provide context for the allegations

The point is not to collect everything you can find. It is to identify the evidence that directly addresses what the petitioner says happened.

Understand What Is at Stake

A final Arkansas order of protection can last for a fixed period of at least 90 days and up to 10 years, depending on the court’s decision. It may also be renewed later if the court finds that a threat of domestic abuse still exists.

The consequences can also overlap with family law issues. An order may affect temporary custody, visitation, access to the family home, or communication between parents.

That is why these cases deserve careful preparation, even if you believe the accusations will be easy to disprove.

How The Graham Law Firm PLLC Can Help You Fight Back

The attorneys at The Graham Law Firm have built their career defending people who needed someone willing to stand between them and a legal system that can move quickly. That same approach matters in order-of-protection cases.

Our team can help you:

• Understand exactly what the current order prohibits
• Review the allegations and identify weaknesses or inconsistencies
• Gather evidence and prepare witnesses
• Prepare you for what to expect at the hearing
• Present your position clearly before the court
• Address related custody or family law issues when they arise

You deserve the opportunity to be heard before a temporary allegation becomes a long-term court order.

Prepare Before Your Hearing With Our Order of Protection Attorneys

If you have been served with an order of protection in Paragould or elsewhere in Arkansas, the hearing may come quickly. Use that time carefully.

The Graham Law Firm PLLC can help you understand the allegations, prepare your evidence, and walk into court ready to defend your rights. Contact us today to get started.