Victim's Protective Orders

How to fill out a Petition for Protective Order in Oklahoma?

Understanding Victim’s Protective Orders in Oklahoma

If you’re here, it’s probably because something serious has happened. And you’re trying to figure out what to do next.

Filing for a Victim’s Protective Order—commonly called a “VPO”—can feel intimidating, especially when you're dealing with fear, confusion, or urgency. This page is here to walk you through the process, answer the most important questions, and help you feel more confident about your next steps.

A VPO is a civil court order that can help protect you from someone who has hurt you, threatened you, stalked you, or made you feel unsafe. The law in Oklahoma allows you to file for protection whether or not the person who harmed you is a family member, romantic partner, or even a stranger. If a judge grants the order, it can legally require that person to stay away from you, stop contacting you, and in some cases, give you temporary custody of your children.

But getting a VPO isn’t automatic. You have to tell the court what happened, and you’ll need to fill out a 10-page Petition with as much detail as possible. That can feel overwhelming. To help, I’ve created a video that walks you through the entire form—line by line—so you can complete it with confidence and understand what each part means. The video is free, and you’ll have access to it shortly.

If you do decide to go to court for a protective order, know this: while you can represent yourself, you don’t have to. And if the other person has an attorney, you should at least consider whether having a lawyer on your side might make a difference. Whether it’s me or someone else, your safety—and your future—deserve strong support. But I also believe you’re capable of handling more than most lawyers will tell you. With the right information, many people are able to manage this process on their own and avoid unnecessary legal fees.

You’re not alone in this. Let’s take it one step at a time.

Who Can File for a VPO in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma law gives you the right to ask the court for protection—but only certain situations qualify for what’s called a Victim’s Protective Order.

You may be eligible if you’ve experienced:

  • Domestic abuse – physical harm or the threat of harm from someone you live with, used to live with, or had a romantic relationship with
  • Stalking – someone following, harassing, or intimidating you repeatedly, even if you have no personal relationship with them
  • Harassment – threatening messages, phone calls, or other unwanted contact that causes you fear or serious emotional distress
  • Sexual assault – any non-consensual sexual contact or behavior
  • Rape – whether reported to law enforcement or not
In many cases, people filing for a VPO know the person they're filing against—a current or former partner, spouse, family member, or roommate. But you do not need a past relationship for protection from stalking or harassment. The law recognizes that danger doesn’t always come from someone close to you.

There’s no cost to file a Petition for a VPO, and you don’t need to file a police report first. This is a civil legal tool that stands on its own. If you're not sure whether your situation qualifies, reading the rest of this page or watching the video may help you decide.

What to Expect When Filing for a VPO

The process of asking for protection starts with a written request to the court called a Petition for Protective Order. In Oklahoma, this is a standardized 10-page form, and while it may look complicated at first glance, don’t worry—you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Here’s how the filing process typically works:

  1. You’ll fill out the Petition – This is your chance to tell the court, in your own words, what happened and why you need protection. The form asks for specific details, including dates, what the other person did or said, and how it made you feel. It’s okay if you don’t remember everything exactly—just be as truthful and detailed as you can.
  2. You’ll file the form with the court clerk – This is usually done at your local county courthouse. You don’t need to pay anything to file. Once submitted, the judge will usually review it the same day.
  3. The judge may issue an emergency order (called an “ex parte” order) – If the judge believes you’re in immediate danger, they can issue a temporary order without waiting for the other person to be notified. This order can require them to stay away from you until the full hearing, which is typically set within 14 days.
  4. The other person (the “respondent”) must be served – Law enforcement or a private process server will give them a copy of the petition and the court date. This step is important—the court can’t move forward without proof that the respondent has been notified.

While this part of the process happens fairly quickly, it can feel like a whirlwind. That’s why I’ve created a step-by-step video guide to walk you through filling out the Petition. You’ll have access to the video shortly—and if you’re comfortable, you can provide your email so I can send you a few additional resources that might help you feel more prepared. (Even if you say no to emails, you’ll still be able to watch the video.)

What Happens at the Hearing

Once you file your Petition and the other person has been officially served, the court will hold a hearing within 14 days. This is where the judge decides whether to issue a final protective order, and it’s important to know what to expect.

If you are asking for an Emergency Ex Parte Order, then the judge will usually review your Petition for an Emergency Protective Order the same day. If the judge issues an Emergency Order of Protection, then, by law, the judge must have a full hearing within 72 hours.

You’ll be asked to testify

At the hearing, the judge will want to hear directly from you. You’ll be sworn in and asked to explain what happened and why you’re asking for protection. You do not need to sound like a lawyer. Speak honestly, clearly, and give the details. The most important details show the judge why you believe the other person is a threat to your physical safety.

If you’ve been keeping messages, screenshots, photos, or other evidence, bring them with you.

The other party can respond

This is often the part people feel most anxious about. The person you filed against—called the Defendant—has the right to show up, respond to your claims, and present their side of the story. Some respondents bring an attorney. Some don’t. Either way, you’ll want to be ready to stay calm and stay focused. If you are surprised that the other side hired an attorney and you want time to hire your own attorney, ask for it. You can simply tell the judge, “I would like to postpone this so that I can go get an attorney since the Defendant has an attorney.”

The judge decides

After both sides speak, the judge will decide whether to grant the final order. If the judge finds that there’s a pattern of abuse, credible threats, or enough reason to believe you’re in danger, they can issue a final VPO, which usually lasts five years—and in very serious cases, it can be made permanent. These serious cases usually involve criminal charges against the Defendant.

This hearing matters. And while you don’t have to bring a lawyer, having someone experienced beside you—especially if the respondent has legal counsel—can make a big difference. But if you go it alone, don’t let that shake your confidence. Many people in Oklahoma represent themselves in these hearings and do just fine with some good preparation and guidance.

Please watch our videos explaining how to fill out the Petition, where to file the Petition, and how to present yourself in court to the judge.