Divorce almost always involves angry spouses, and in many cases, one spouse’s anger or violence triggers well-justified fear in the other spouse. This can lead spouses to ask the court to set clear boundaries for safety and peace of mind.
Illinois law provides two main tools for this: mutual stay-away orders and orders of protection. While both restrict contact between spouses, they serve different purposes and carry very different legal consequences. At Fawell & Fawell, our Wheaton divorce attorney can help you understand these options and decide whether you want to ask for a protective order.
What Is a Mutual Stay-Away Order?
A mutual stay-away order is a type of temporary court order issued during a divorce to reduce conflict. It tells both parties not to harass, intimidate, or contact each other outside of necessary communication.