Protective Orders
Utah Code 78B-7-604 — a hearing within 21 days of an ex parte order
A cohabitant who has been subjected to abuse or domestic violence, or faces a substantial likelihood of it, may seek a protective order, whether or not they have left the home, and whether or not a divorce is pending.
Who handles this in Utah: Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake and Utah State Courts, Self-Help; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Utah directory.
- The court may immediately issue an ex parte order without notice, or issue an order after a hearing whether or not the respondent appears.
- An ex parte order may bar the respondent from contacting the petitioner or named family members, directly or indirectly.
- Criminal provisions of an order may not be vacated within two years of issuance unless the petitioner is personally served and appears to consent.
The court sets a hearing within 21 days after issuing an ex parte order, and the ex parte order expires if no protective order issues at the hearing, unless extended. It may never be extended beyond 180 days from when it was first issued.
A petition seeking a protective order may not be withdrawn without the court's approval.
Sources for this section (3)
- Utah Code 78B-7-602 — Abuse or danger of abuse -- Cohabitant abuse protective orders
- Utah Code 78B-7-603 — Cohabitant abuse protective orders -- Ex parte cohabitant abuse protective orders -- Modification of orders -- Service of process -- Duties of the court
- Utah Code 78B-7-604 — Hearings
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Utah attorney.