Order of Protection Lawyer Queens, NY

An order of protection is a court order that limits contact between a person and someone who is alleged to have committed a family offense. In Queens County, New York, these matters are heard in the Family Court at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard in Jamaica. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients in order-of-protection proceedings across Queens, from Astoria to the Rockaways. Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of the firm, concentrates his practice on family law matters including protective proceedings, and he and his Of Counsel team appear regularly in the Queens County Family Court. If you are seeking or responding to an order of protection, you can reach the firm at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

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What an Order of Protection Means in Queens, New York

Under New York’s Family Court Act, a person may file a family offense petition seeking an order of protection against a current or former spouse, intimate partner, relative, or someone with whom they share a child. The petition describes the alleged conduct – harassment, assault, stalking, or other offenses enumerated in the Domestic Relations Law – and asks the court to direct the respondent to stay away, refrain from contact, or vacate a shared residence. In Queens County, the Family Court is located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435, and handles petitions for temporary orders of protection, often issued the same day on an ex parte basis, followed by a return hearing where both sides present evidence.

The legal standard is the “best interests of the child” when custody and visitation are affected, and the court considers the history of domestic violence, the safety of the petitioner and any children, and the specific allegations. A final order of protection in New York can last up to two years – or up to five years in cases involving aggravating circumstances – and may direct the respondent to stay away from the petitioner’s home, school, workplace, and children’s school, as well as to surrender firearms. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are experienced in handling both the petitioner and respondent sides of these proceedings, guiding clients through the procedural stages in Queens County Family Court.

How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Order of Protection Cases

When a client seeks an order of protection, Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel work to present a clear, fact-based petition that meets the statutory requirements. For respondents, the approach centers on evaluating the allegations, gathering evidence to contest the petition, and preparing for the hearing. Queens County Family Court calendars are busy, and preparation includes reviewing police reports, medical records, text messages, and any prior Family Court or criminal court orders to build a case for dismissal or a limited order.

The firm’s approach does not rely on any specific timeline or past results do not guarantee a similar outcome, because the outcome turns on the facts presented to the judge and the court’s assessment of credibility. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team have documented over 4,739 case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary. They are familiar with the practices and expectations of the Queens County Family Court and tailor their advocacy to the specific needs of each client, whether seeking a full stay-away order or defending against one.

About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team

Mr. Sris is the Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. A former prosecutor, he practices in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York, concentrating in family law, criminal defense, and related matters. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel – experienced attorneys who are not employees of the firm – bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. In order-of-protection matters, that experience translates into a grounded, practical understanding of the Queens Family Court process.

Verify admissions: Virginia State Bar • Maryland Judiciary • DC Bar • NJ Courts • NY OCA.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an order of protection under New York law?

An order of protection is a court order that commands a person to refrain from certain actions, including contacting, harassing, or being near the person who filed a family offense petition. In New York, a family offense petition can be filed in Family Court, and the court may issue a temporary order of protection even before a full hearing if it finds good cause. Final orders can include stay-away provisions, residence-exclusion terms, firearm surrender, and orders directing the respondent to participate in a batterer’s intervention program. The specific conditions depend on the allegations and the judge’s findings at the hearing.

How do I file for an order of protection in Queens?

An individual seeking an order of protection in Queens can file a family offense petition at the Queens County Family Court, located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435. The petitioner fills out a petition describing the incident and the parties’ relationship. There is no filing fee for a family offense petition. The court clerk or a domestic violence advocate can assist with the paperwork, but a petitioner is not required to have an attorney to file. However, having legal representation helps ensure that the petition is properly drafted and that the petitioner is prepared for the hearing, which is typically scheduled within a matter of days. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can provide that representation.

What is the difference between a family offense petition and a criminal complaint?

A family offense petition is a civil proceeding in Family Court that seeks an order of protection based on allegations of domestic violence, while a criminal complaint is filed with law enforcement and can result in criminal charges and penalties. The Family Court’s focus is on protection, not punishment. The standard of proof in Family Court is a “preponderance of the evidence,” lower than the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard in criminal court. In Queens, both a Family Court petition and a criminal court matter can proceed simultaneously, and a client may need representation in both venues. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel handle both types of proceedings.

Can an order of protection be modified or vacated?

Yes, a party may ask the court to modify or vacate an existing order of protection by filing a motion showing a change in circumstances or demonstrating that the order is no longer necessary. The court will hold a hearing to consider the motion. For example, if a respondent completes a treatment program or if the petitioner and respondent reconcile and wish to resume contact, the Family Court may modify the stay-away provisions. An experienced attorney can present the evidence to support the modification or to argue that the order should remain in place. The outcome depends on the specific facts and the court’s assessment of the current risk.

Do I need a lawyer for an order of protection hearing in Queens?

While you are not legally required to have an attorney, having a lawyer familiar with Queens County Family Court practice can significantly affect the outcome of an order-of-protection hearing. The hearing involves presenting evidence, cross-examining witnesses, and arguing legal points. A respondent who loses a hearing may be subject to an order that impacts custody, housing, and firearm rights for up to two or five years. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel assist clients in preparing testimony, gathering documentation, and navigating the procedural rules of the Family Court. For guidance on your specific situation, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

How does an order of protection affect child custody in Queens?

An order of protection can directly affect child custody and visitation by directing the respondent to stay away from the children’s school or home and by granting temporary custody to the petitioner. The Family Court judge will consider the safety of the children as the primary concern. If the order contains a “stay away” from the children, the respondent’s access to the children may be suspended or limited to supervised visits. A separate custody petition may also be filed. The interplay between orders of protection and custody orders is complex, and an attorney can help a parent navigate these intersecting issues. To discuss the details of your matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.

Order-of-Protection Representation in Other New York Localities

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. also represents clients in order-of-protection matters throughout the New York metropolitan area:

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary. Attorney responsible for this advertising: Mr. Sris.