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Wisconsin Restraining Order Laws (2026): How to Get a Domestic Abuse Injunction

Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited August 17, 2026). · Reviewed by the RecordingLaw editorial team. · Law checked current as of August 17, 2026. · 4 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content

Wisconsin Restraining Order Laws (2026): How to Get a Domestic Abuse Injunction

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a restraining order in Wisconsin?

You file a petition for a domestic abuse injunction with the circuit court clerk in your county. No filing fee is required. A judge or court commissioner can issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) the same day, without notice to the other party, if immediate protection is needed. A full hearing is then scheduled within 14 days.

How long does a restraining order last in Wisconsin?

A temporary restraining order lasts until the injunction hearing, which must be held within 14 days. A final injunction lasts up to 4 years. If the court finds a substantial risk of homicide or sexual assault, the injunction can be extended to up to 10 years, and, at the petitioner's request, the court may make it permanent if the respondent was convicted of a qualifying sexual assault against the petitioner.

How much does a restraining order cost in Wisconsin?

Filing a domestic abuse injunction in Wisconsin is free. Courts cannot charge a filing fee or service fee for domestic violence protective orders under both state law and the federal Violence Against Women Act.

Can I get a restraining order without a police report?

Yes. A prior police report is not required to petition for a domestic abuse injunction in Wisconsin. You file a petition with the circuit court describing the abuse. The court decides whether to issue a temporary restraining order based on your petition and supporting affidavit.

Does a restraining order take away gun rights in Wisconsin?

Yes. Under Wis. Stat. 813.1285, a domestic abuse injunction must require the respondent to surrender all firearms to the county sheriff. Possessing a firearm while under a Wisconsin domestic abuse injunction is a Class G felony under Wis. Stat. 941.29. Federal law (18 U.S.C. 922(g)(8)) also prohibits firearm possession under a qualifying final order.

What happens if the abuser violates the order?

Willfully violating a Wisconsin domestic abuse TRO or injunction is a crime punishable by up to 9 months in jail and/or a fine up to $10,000 per violation. Police can make a warrantless arrest when probable cause exists. If the respondent violates the order, call 911 and report the violation as soon as it is safe to do so.

What is the difference between a domestic abuse injunction and a harassment injunction in Wisconsin?

A domestic abuse injunction (Wis. Stat. 813.12) requires a qualifying domestic relationship such as a former spouse, co-parent, household member, or dating partner. A harassment injunction (Wis. Stat. 813.125) requires no prior relationship and is available to any person who has been harassed or is a victim of stalking or sexual assault by someone outside a domestic relationship.

Updates

Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources; governing law re-checked for recent changes

Governing law re-checked for recent changes

Corrected three defects: non-household stalking victims ARE eligible for a Wis. Stat. 813.125 harassment injunction (no relationship requirement); an injunction cannot be modified based solely on the respondent's own request; and added the permanent-injunction option under 813.12(4)(d)1m for a respondent convicted of a qualifying sexual assault against the petitioner, previously omitted from the intro, KeyTakeaways, duration table, body, and FAQ.

Noted that the permanent injunction is entered at the petitioner's request, and restated the domestic-abuse definition with the categories Wis. Stat. 813.12 actually enumerates.

Governing law re-checked for recent changes

Reviewed and approved by an editor

Sources and References

  1. Wis. Stat. 813.12 (Domestic Abuse Restraining Orders and Injunctions)(docs.legis.wisconsin.gov).gov
  2. Wis. Stat. 813.125 (Harassment Injunctions)(docs.legis.wisconsin.gov).gov
  3. Wis. Stat. 941.29 (Firearm Possession Penalty)(docs.legis.wisconsin.gov).gov
  4. Wisconsin Court System: Restraining Orders and Injunctions(wicourts.gov).gov
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