Order of Protection Lawyer Manhattan, NY
You have just been served with a family offense petition in Manhattan—or you need immediate protection for yourself and your family. Orders of protection are civil remedies under the New York Family Court Act, but they carry lasting consequences for custody, housing, and firearm rights. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represent petitioners and respondents in Manhattan Family Court. Founded in 1997, our firm is ready to help. Call (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
Your Legal Options for an Order of Protection in Manhattan
If you are seeking protection, you may file a family offense petition in Manhattan Family Court alleging harassment, stalking, threats, assault, or other qualifying conduct. The court can issue a temporary order of protection on the day you file, often without the other party present. If you are the respondent, you have the right to contest the allegations. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel evaluate every case to advise on the strongest path—whether that means negotiating a consent order with limited restrictions, presenting evidence at a hearing to challenge the petition, or defending against a final order that could restrict your contact with your children, your home, or your workplace. Every option is explored with a clear focus on your safety, your rights, and your future.
In Manhattan, orders of protection are handled in the Family Court branch located at 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007. The court can order a range of relief, from a full stay-away directive to restricted communication about child custody logistics. Understanding the procedural steps—and the potential collateral consequences—is critical. Our team explains the process, prepares your evidence, and appears with you at every stage.
What to Expect at Manhattan Family Court
When you go to Manhattan Family Court, a court attorney or referee will first help determine whether your petition states a family offense under the Family Court Act. If the petition is legally sufficient, the court may issue a temporary order of protection that remains in effect until the next hearing date. The respondent will be served and given notice to appear. At the first respondent appearance, the court typically schedules a fact-finding hearing or explores the possibility of a settlement.
At the hearing, both sides may present witnesses, documents, and other evidence. The petitioner must prove the allegations by a fair preponderance of the evidence. If the petition is sustained, the court may issue a final order of protection lasting up to two years—or up to five years in cases involving aggravating circumstances. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel prepare clients thoroughly for these proceedings, cross-examine adverse witnesses, and advocate forcefully for a just result. The timeline for resolution depends on the court’s calendar and the complexity of the matter.
Consequences of an Order of Protection
A final order of protection can affect many aspects of a respondent’s life. It may require you to stay away from your home, your children’s school, or your place of employment even if you have no other residence. Federal law (the Lautenberg Amendment) makes it a felony for anyone subject to a qualifying order of protection to possess firearms. A violation of the order can result in criminal contempt charges. For petitioners, an order provides legal recourse if the respondent contacts you in violation of the order, and law enforcement can take immediate action. For both sides, the order can influence pending or future custody and visitation proceedings in Family Court or Supreme Court.
Because the ramifications are so significant, it is essential to have experienced counsel who understands not only the immediate hearing but also the broader long-term implications for your family, your reputation, and your liberty. Mr. Sris and his team draw on over 120 years of combined legal experience between Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel to guide you through these intersecting legal issues. Results may vary.
Experienced Attorneys for Order of Protection Matters in Manhattan
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced since 1997 and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. He and his Of Counsel team have documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His background in prosecution gives him insight into how the other side prepares, and he applies that knowledge to protect clients in family offense proceedings.
Mr. Sris’s Of Counsel attorneys bring decades of litigation experience in New York and multiple states. Together, they approach every order of protection case with thorough preparation and a commitment to achieving favorable outcomes. Our attorneys understand the unique demands of Manhattan Family Court and work to resolve matters efficiently while safeguarding your rights and your relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an order of protection in New York?
An order of protection is a civil court order that restricts a person’s contact with another to prevent harassment, threats, or violence. Issued by Family Court or Criminal Court, it can direct the respondent to stay away from the petitioner, their home, workplace, or children’s school. It may also impose conditions such as no-contact provisions, firearms surrender, or restrained communication. A violation can lead to criminal contempt charges. The order is not a criminal conviction, but it can carry significant collateral consequences.
How do I get an order of protection in Manhattan?
You can file a family offense petition at the Manhattan Family Court, 60 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007. The petition must describe specific acts that qualify as a family offense under the New York Family Court Act—such as harassment, stalking, menacing, or assault. The court will review your petition and may issue a temporary order of protection the same day if there is good cause. You will need to return for a hearing, where you may have to testify and present evidence. Having legal counsel can help you frame the petition and prepare for the hearing.
What happens at a final order of protection hearing?
At the hearing, both the petitioner and respondent can present evidence, call witnesses, and be represented by counsel. The petitioner must prove the allegations by a preponderance of the evidence. The respondent may cross-examine witnesses and present a defense. If the court finds the petition proven, it issues a final order of protection setting out specific conditions and a duration—typically up to two years. The judge may also address custody, visitation, or child support if those issues are raised. The proceeding is confidential and closed to the public.
Can an order of protection be contested or dismissed?
Yes, the respondent has the right to challenge the allegations and seek dismissal of the petition. A respondent may argue that the acts described do not meet the legal definition of a family offense, that the evidence is insufficient, or that the petition was filed in bad faith. In some cases, the parties can agree to a consent order that provides limited protections without admitting wrongdoing. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have extensive experience defending against family offense petitions and pursuing dismissals where the facts support it.
Do I need a lawyer for an order of protection in Manhattan?
While you are not legally required to have a lawyer, orders of protection involve complex procedural and evidentiary rules, and the stakes are high for both sides. A lawyer can help you draft a legally sufficient petition, gather admissible evidence, prepare you for testimony, and cross-examine opposing witnesses. If you are the respondent, a lawyer can identify defenses, negotiate a settlement that minimizes restrictions, and protect your rights. Mistakes in these proceedings can affect custody, housing, and your record. Consulting an attorney early is strongly recommended.
For a full statutory breakdown of New York family law protections, see our comprehensive analysis at srislawyer.com/family-law/.
Official Sources: New York Family Court Act (FCA) | New York State Unified Court System
Speak With an Order of Protection Lawyer Serving Manhattan
If you need to file for protection or you have been served with a petition, time is critical. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to request a confidential consultation. Our New York location is by appointment only at 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202. We serve clients in Manhattan and throughout New York State.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.