Changes to Existing Law

Protection order--Petition--Content. There exists an action known as a petition for a protection order in cases of domestic abuse. Procedures for the action are as follows: (1) A petition under this section for a protection order in a case of domestic abuse may be made by any person in a relationship described as provided for in § 25-10-3.1 against any other person in such a relationship; who meets the requirements of § 25-10-3.1. (2) A petition shall for a protection order in a case of domestic abuse: (1) Must allege the existence of domestic abuse and shall; (2) Must be accompanied by an affidavit made under oath stating the specific facts and circumstances in support of the domestic abuse allegation; and (3) A petition for relief may be made Must be accompanied by a police report; and (4) May be filed whether or not there is a pending lawsuit, complaint, petition, or other action between the parties. However; provided, if there is any other lawsuit, complaint, petition, or other such an action pending between the parties, any new, a petition made pursuant to under this section shall must be made assigned to the judge previously assigned to handling the pending lawsuit, petition, or other action, unless good cause is shown for the assignment of a different judge. The clerk of the circuit court shall make available standard petition forms to be used by a petitioner, together with instructions for completion to be used by a petitioner. The attorney general shall prepare the forms. 26