Protective Orders · Louisville Office
Protective Order Lawyer in Louisville, KY
Wise & Associates represents both petitioners and respondents in EPO, DVO, and IPO cases in Jefferson Family Court and surrounding Kentucky counties. A hearing is generally held within 14 days of an emergency order, and a DVO can last up to three years. At Wise & Associates, upfront flat fees range from $1,500 to $5,000.
Kentucky Protective Orders: Key Facts
| Our fees | At Wise & Associates, upfront flat fees for protective order cases range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on how much litigation is required. See pricing |
|---|---|
| Court | Jefferson Family Court in Louisville, or the court in Oldham, Bullitt, Shelby, Spencer, or Henry County |
| EPO | An emergency protective order, issued without the other side present when a petition shows an immediate danger |
| DVO | A domestic violence order, entered after a hearing, for family members and members of an unmarried couple |
| IPO | An interpersonal protective order, for dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking |
| Hearing | Generally within 14 days of the emergency order. If the respondent has not been served, the hearing is usually continued and the emergency order stays in effect. |
| Standard | The judge must find, by a preponderance of the evidence, that domestic violence and abuse occurred and may occur again |
| How long it lasts | A DVO or IPO can last up to three years and can be renewed |
| Governing law | KRS 403.715 and following (domestic violence orders) and KRS Chapter 456 (interpersonal protective orders) |
| Handled by | Jennifer Frederick, Managing Attorney, and Christopher Wise, Founder |
Who We Represent
Petitioners
People seeking protection: preparing the petition and evidence, and presenting the case at the DVO or IPO hearing.
Respondents
People served with an EPO or petition: following the order, preparing a defense, and protecting rights that are at stake, including custody and firearms.
Custody and protective orders
A DVO can include temporary custody, and Kentucky's joint custody presumption does not apply to a parent with a DVO entered against them. Louisville child custody
Protective orders and divorce
Cases where a protective order and a divorce are pending at the same time. Kentucky divorce
How a Protective Order Case Works in Kentucky
Petition
The person seeking protection files a sworn petition describing what happened.
Emergency order
If the petition shows an immediate danger, a judge can issue an EPO right away. For an IPO, the emergency order is a temporary interpersonal protective order.
Service
The respondent is formally served with the petition, any emergency order, and the hearing date.
Hearing
Both sides can testify, present evidence such as messages, photos, and police reports, and call witnesses. The judge decides.
Order or dismissal
The judge enters a DVO or IPO, or dismisses the petition.
Enforcement and renewal
Violating an order is a crime. Before an order expires, the protected person can ask the court to renew it.
Credentials
- Christopher Wise, founder: Super Lawyers Rising Stars, 2023–2027; Louisville Business First 20 People to Know in Law, 2023 and 2026
- Jennifer Frederick, managing attorney: member of the Kentucky Bar since 2000; Walker Award for excellence in public advocacy, two-time recipient
- Wise & Associates: Best Law Firm in Louisville, The Courier Journal Best of Louisville (reader-voted), Winner 2022 and 2023, Top 3 2025 and 2026. All awards
Louisville Protective Order Questions
How much does a protective order lawyer cost in Louisville?
At Wise & Associates, upfront flat fees for protective order cases range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on how much litigation is required. The firm does not bill hourly, and the first consultation is free.
What is the difference between an EPO and a DVO in Kentucky?
An EPO is an emergency order a judge can issue right away, without the other side present, when a petition shows an immediate danger. A DVO is entered after a hearing where both sides can be heard, and it can last up to three years.
What is an IPO in Kentucky?
An interpersonal protective order protects victims of dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking who do not qualify for a DVO. It follows a similar process and can also last up to three years.
What should I do if I am served with an EPO?
Follow the order exactly, do not contact the petitioner in any way, note your hearing date, and talk to a lawyer before the hearing. If there is also a criminal charge, anything you say at the hearing can be used in that case.
Does a DVO affect custody in Kentucky?
Yes. A DVO can include temporary custody terms, and Kentucky's presumption of joint custody and equal parenting time does not apply to a parent who has had a DVO entered against them.
Can I be charged with violating an order if the petitioner contacts me?
Yes. The order restrains the respondent, so responding to contact from the petitioner can still be a violation. Violating a protective order is a crime in Kentucky.
Talk to a Louisville Protective Order Lawyer
Protective order hearings move quickly. Consultations are free and by phone. Book a time, then call the office at your scheduled time.
Wise & Associates303 Middletown Park Pl, Suite G, Louisville, KY 40243
(502) 618-0000
Attorney advertising. This page provides general information, not legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.