What is a Temporary Restraining Order? - South Carolina Victim Assistance Network

A victim of stalking or harassment can petition for a Temporary Restraining Order (also known as a Restraining Order) through the Magistrate’s Court. This temporary order lasts for up to one year. To file a petition, a victim can visit the Magistrate’s Court Clerk where the proper forms will be available. There is no requirement that there be an incident report or even an arrest to apply for this type of restraining order. Temporary restraining orders forbid the offender from abusing and contacting the victim, and last for one year. There is no initial fee, but the losing side does have to pay a $55 fee after the case is decided.

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This website was made possible by a subgrant from the National Crime Victim Law Institute (NCVLI) pursuant to Grant No. 2017-VF-GX-K130, awarded to NCVLI by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of NCVLI.

This Web site is funded through a grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this Web site (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided).

This Web site was made possible by a subgrant from the National Crime Victim Law Institute (NCVLI) pursuant to Grant No. 2017-VF-GX-K130, awarded to NCVLI by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of NCVLI.