Do not contact the Plaintiff. They have taken a very serious step to harm you.
All additional attempts to contact them can be extra "counts" of harassment.
Take the charges seriously. The consequences of a restraining order can
be severe and life changing.
Prepare to hear the plaintiff lie under oath whether you have known them for
30 minutes or 30 years.
Understand that your adversary and numerous people you are about to meet
probably have narcissistic personality disorder.
Understand that there is no justice - there is Just Us.
Print a copy of the Bench Guide for Judges; read it a few times,
take it with you to interview any attorneys. If they tell you they
already know everything in it, use it to test their knowledge on the spot.
If they laugh at you and refuse, say, "Thank you for your time"
and walk out — better yet, run to find a more humble and confident
attorney.
Thousands of innocent people are restrained every year.
Try to visit the clerk of the court with cash ready; ask to view the complaint, get a copy.
Interview lots of lawyers - do not give them a large retainer at the first meeting
If you have not been physically handed paperwork signed by a Judge
ordering you to appear at a hearing, you are not obligated to appear in
front a judge, nor are you restrained. Local rules of
court establish different procedures. Some issue a TRO whether the defendant is
present or not. At all courts, the judge is not required to let you speak at the first of
at least two hearings. In some courts, it is thus best not to appear at the first hearing
called the ex-parte hearing since the judge can immediately restrain you if he can
see you.
Consider filing a cross-complaint against your adversary. You must do so early
in the process.
Consider an Anti-SLAPP suit!!! - if the lawsuit arises from any act of defendant in
furtherance of the defendant's right of petition, government access, or free speech.
Pro-per process serving
Filing for Appeal 60 days
Order Transcripts