Adults who have been abused or have been threatened with abuse by a present or former adult household member, or have been victims of stalking, may seek an order of protection from the state court. The order of protection can restrain the abusive adult from entering the complaining person's home or place of employment. Depending on the relationship of the parties, the court can also order the abusive adult to pay child support, pay maintenance, formerly called alimony, and award custody of minor children.

The initial order, which may be obtained upon completion of a petition, is in effect until the time of the full hearing. The court will hold a hearing where both the complaining party and the accused abusive party are present. If the court finds that the abuse or stalking has occurred, then it may issue another order of protection for a period of time from 180 days to one year. Violation of the order can subject the abusive person to either a monetary fine or imprisonment. A person seeking an order of protection should telephone the court clerk's office and ask for information on the adult abuse act.