Is There a Limit to How Many Restraining Orders I Can Get in Illinois?

 Posted on January 30, 2026 in Domestic Violence

If someone is making you feel unsafe, getting a restraining order – legally called an order of protection – can give you safety and peace of mind. But what happens if the order expires and the behavior continues? Or if you need protection from different people at different times? What about several people at the same time? Is there a limit to how many orders you can get?

If you have real reasons to fear for your safety in 2026, you have the right to get as much protection as you need. A Rolling Meadows domestic violence attorney can help you understand the process and the evidence you need to support your request.

What Are the Different Types of Restraining Orders in Illinois?

Illinois has several types of protective orders, depending on your situation:

Orders of Protection

An Order of Protection is designed for situations involving family or household members. This includes current or former spouses, your child’s other parent, family members, people you dated, and roommates.

Civil No Contact Orders

A Civil No Contact Order applies when someone is stalking, harassing, or threatening you, but they’re not and have not been in your household. This might include a neighbor, coworker, or stranger. You can request this order if someone's behavior makes you reasonably afraid for your safety.

Stalking No Contact Orders

If someone is following you, watching you, or repeatedly contacting you in ways that make you afraid, you may qualify for a Stalking No Contact Order under 740 ILCS 21. This order specifically addresses stalking behavior.

How Many Times Can I Request a Restraining Order in Illinois?

There is no legal limit. If you need protection, you can file for as many restraining orders as you need. Each request must be based on real evidence that you are in danger or reasonably fear for your safety.

You might need multiple orders for:

• Protection from different people at different times.

• A new order after a previous one expires.

• A more restrictive order if someone violates an existing order and you need more protection.

• An order against someone new who begins threatening or harassing you.

The court will look at each request individually. You will need to provide evidence and testimony showing why you need protection. 

What Do I Need to Prove to Get a Restraining Order in Illinois?

This depends on which type of order you need. 

For an Order of Protection, you must show that the other person abused you. Abuse includes physical abuse, harassment, intimidation, forcing you to do things you don’t want to, or keeping you from food, medication, or other things you need.

For a Civil No Contact Order or Stalking No Contact Order, you must show that the person’s behavior makes you reasonably afraid for your safety or the safety of a family member. Threats, unwanted contact, or a pattern of following or watching you all work.

Text messages, emails, voicemails, witness statements, police reports, and medical records are all good evidence. Photos of injuries or property damage can also help in abuse cases. More documentation is better. 

Can I Get in Trouble for Filing Too Many Restraining Orders?

Not if you actually need them. If someone files for a restraining order just to harass another person, though, there can be major consequences. The court may deny the request, and in extreme cases, filing false reports can lead to criminal charges. This is why it is important to work with a lawyer who can help you present your case. 

 As long as you are honest and have real safety concerns, you should not worry about asking for protection when you need it.

What Happens if Someone Violates My Restraining Order?

If the person named in your order contacts you or does anything the order prohibits, they can face criminal charges. A first violation of an Order of Protection is usually a Class A misdemeanor, but repeated violations can be charged as felonies.

If someone violates your order, call the police immediately. You may also want to return to court to get additional protections.

Call a Skokie Family Law Attorney Today

If you need protection from someone who is threatening or abusing you, do not wait. Our Rolling Meadows order of protection attorney at The Law Offices of Curtis Bennett Ross, L.L.C. has over 40 years of experience helping clients in Illinois. As a trained mediator, certified public accountant, and court-appointed guardian ad litem, Attorney Ross brings financial and legal knowledge to every case. We offer free limited consultations to discuss your situation. Contact The Law Offices of Curtis Bennett Ross, L.L.C. at 312-984-1514 today to learn how we can help you stay safe.