Orders for Protection

Anyone who has been a victim of domestic violence may obtain an Order for Protection (OFP) from Cass County Court Administration. According to Minnesota Statute 518B.01 Subdivision 2 (b), domestic abuse occurs to a family or household member if it is committed by a family or household member. The definition of a family or household member consists of one or several of the following:

  • Spouse or former spouse
  • Parents and their children
  • Any person related by blood
  • Persons who are currently residing together or have resided in the same household in the past
  • Persons who have children together, or are expecting, regardless if there was a marriage
  • Persons involved in a romantic or sexual relationship

An adult has the ability to file a Petition for an Order for Protection on behalf of any minor victim or any vulnerable adult.

When the District Judge reviews the Petition and Affidavit for an Order for Protection, the Judge will determine the validity of the Petition and Affidavit. The Judge may issue a hearing to review the Order for Protection. At the hearing, a Judge will listen to both the petitioner and respondent. The Judge will then determine the amount of time the Order for Protection will be in effect.

If the Order for Protection is granted, Cass County Court Administration will have you bring the order down to the Sheriff's Office. Once the Civil Process Unit receives the Order for Protection they will arrange for service immediately. The Sheriff's Office does not charge for the service of any Orders for Protection.

Assistance Organizations

If you have been or currently are a victim of domestic violence, the following local organizations can assist you: