An order of protection is meant to keep people safe, but when used unfairly or maliciously, it can turn your entire life upside down. For many men, being served with an order of protection during a divorce or custody battle feels like the system is being weaponized against them, and unfortunately, it often is.
At Shark Lawyers for Men, we’ve seen how fast a false accusation can spiral into lost parenting time, damaged reputations, and serious legal consequences. If you’re facing an order of protection in Illinois, here’s what you need to know and how to fight back.
What Is an Order of Protection?
In Illinois, an order of protection is a court order that restricts a person from contacting, approaching, or living near another person, usually in the context of domestic violence or harassment claims.
There are three main types:
- Emergency Orders – Issued quickly, without notifying the accused. These last up to 21 days.
- Interim Orders – Granted while the court is scheduling a full hearing.
- Plenary Orders – Last up to two years and are issued after a full court hearing.
The moment one is filed against you, even an emergency order, you could be forced out of your home, lose access to your children, and be barred from contacting your ex or even mutual acquaintances.
How Orders of Protection Are Used in Divorce and Custody Disputes
We’ve seen it too many times: A man initiates divorce, and suddenly he’s hit with a protective order. Sometimes it’s justified. But other times, it’s a calculated move to gain leverage in court.
An order of protection can affect:
- Your parenting time
- Custody decisions
- Where you’re allowed to live
- Whether you can possess firearms
- Your reputation at work and in your community
If your ex is using the system to push you out of your own life, we’ll fight to clear your name and restore your rights.
Your Rights After Being Served
If you’ve been served with an emergency order of protection:
- Do not violate the order—even if you believe it’s unfair.
Do not contact your ex (even indirectly). - Do not try to explain yourself to the judge without an attorney.
- Start building your defense immediately.
You’ll be given a hearing date to challenge the order. This is your chance to show that the accusations are false or exaggerated—and that the order should not be extended.
At Shark Lawyers for Men, we prepare you for that hearing and build the strongest case possible to challenge the allegations head-on.
How to Fight a False Order of Protection in Illinois
Here’s what we focus on when building your defense:
- Challenging the credibility of the person who filed the petition
- Providing witnesses or written communications that contradict the accusations
- Showing your history of nonviolence and responsible behavior
- Pointing out any inconsistencies in their story
- Demonstrating how the order is being used as a legal tactic during divorce or custody proceedings
In many cases, the burden of proof is low, but your defense can still succeed if you act quickly, stay quiet, and let your attorney do the talking.
What Happens If the Order Is Upheld?
If a plenary order is granted against you, the impact can be long-lasting:
- You could lose parenting time or decision-making rights
- You may be required to attend counseling or anger management
- Violating the order even by accident can lead to criminal charges
- Your ability to own or carry firearms will likely be restricted
We don’t let these outcomes go unchallenged. If an order is hurting your life and your relationship with your children, it’s time to fight back.
Contact Shark Lawyers for Men Today
False accusations, weaponized court orders, and one-sided hearings—this isn’t just unfair, it’s destructive. You deserve the chance to tell your side of the story and protect your future.
At Shark Lawyers for Men, we fight aggressively for Illinois fathers who’ve been targeted by protective orders during divorce or custody battles. Don’t wait for the damage to be done—contact us today to take immediate action.
