Obtaining an Injunction Against Harassment in Arizona: A Step-by-Step Guide

In Arizona, securing an Injunction Against Harassment (IAH) can be a critical measure in protecting family members from harassment, threats, and intimidation within the sphere of family law. Whether you’re an individual seeking protection from harassment by a family member or addressing harassment issues that impact your family dynamics, this guide provides a step-by-step approach to obtaining an IAH in a family law context. For additional information, skilled representation for your Arizona IAH case in the family law arena, or more questions about handling IAH within family law, call 480-470-1504 for a free consultation with our firm.

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Step 1: Understand What Constitutes Harassment

Before pursuing an Injunction Against Harassment (IAH) in a family law setting, it’s crucial to understand the specific definition of harassment under Arizona law as it applies to family relationships. Harassment in this context may include repeated, unwanted behavior, threats, intimidation, or any course of conduct that inflicts substantial emotional distress or instills fear for personal safety within a family dynamic. It’s important to note that a police report is not mandatory to identify an experience as harassment, though it can serve as valuable evidence in legal proceedings. As defined by A.R.S. § 13-2921, harassment in family law often involves a pattern of harassing acts. However, in cases of sexual violence or severe threats within a family setting, even a single act can be sufficient grounds for granting an IAH. This includes scenarios like threats of harm from a relative or ongoing intimidation by an ex-partner. Additionally, making false police reports against a family member is also considered harassment under this statute.

Step 2: Determine If You Qualify for an IAH

In Arizona, you may qualify for an IAH if you are a victim of harassment by an individual, which in a family law context, often involves a family member or someone within your domestic environment. The harassment can occur in various family settings. The process for obtaining an IAH in a family law scenario, while similar to the general process, may have specific considerations given the nature of the personal relationships involved. It is also important to understand the difference between an IAH and an Order of Protection, or OOP. An OOP is used when seeking protection from someone with whom you share a domestic relationship, such as romantic partners or roommates, which is often the case in family law situations.

Step 3: Collect Evidence

The evidence that supports claims in one IAH case could be completely different than another IAH case. Gather all relevant evidence of harassment for your circumstances, including:

Detailed records of incidents (dates, times, and locations).
Copies of harassing messages (voicemails, emails, texts, social media posts).
Witness statements, if available.
Police report if the police were called to any of the incidents in question.
Photos and surveillance footage of the location or the incident.
Any other documentation supporting your claim.

Step 4: Fill Out the Petition

To begin the IAH process, you must complete a petition, which should then be filed in court. You can obtain the necessary forms from the clerk of the court or download them from the court’s website. If you retain a defense attorney, they will craft your petition using the most persuasive information available. The petition should include:

Your personal information, including name and address.
The alleged harasser’s information, if known.
A detailed description of the harassment, including specific incidents and their impact on you.
Any supporting evidence you’ve collected.
The relief being sought, whether that’s just keeping the accused from contacting the petitioner or barring them from visiting their home, school, etc.

Step 5: File the Petition

Take the completed petition to your local Arizona superior court. The court clerk will assist you with the filing process, including providing information on any associated filing fees. In the context of family law, it’s important to note that there are generally no filing fees to request or respond to a standard IAH when it relates to family or domestic situations. This step is critical in formally initiating your legal request for protection under Arizona family law.

Step 6: Request a Temporary IAH

Upon filing the petition, you can request a temporary IAH. This provides immediate protection while awaiting a hearing. If granted, the court will schedule a hearing within a specific timeframe. A temporary IAH being granted is no guarantee that the court will grant the permanent IAH. It isn’t necessary for a petitioner to request a temporary IAH while waiting for a permanent IAH hearing, but can create a protection that otherwise wouldn’t be there.

Step 7: Serve Notice

Once the court grants the temporary IAH, it is essential to serve notice of the order to the alleged harasser. An IAH only becomes effective when it has been served upon the defendant under Arizona law. It wouldn’t be fair for the accused to face legal consequences for violating an IAH (at least with behavior that wouldn’t otherwise be illegal) without knowing that the order is in place. Service of the notice typically involves having a process server or law enforcement officer deliver the order to the respondent. It would be against both parties’ interests to allow the petitioner to serve the defendant with the notice. A neutral third party who is trained in these types of situations can serve the petition in a safe manner that complies with Arizona law.

Step 8: Attend the Hearing

Attend the scheduled hearing prepared to present your case. This applies if you are the petitioner seeking to be protected by an IAH or the defendant fighting back against allegations made in the IAH. Be ready to provide evidence, such as witness testimony, documents, and your testimony, to support your claims. Both parties’ attorneys may be in attendance at this hearing.

Step 9: Await the Judge’s Decision

The judge will consider all the evidence presented during the hearing and decide whether to issue a permanent IAH. If granted, the permanent IAH may remain in effect for up to one year. The IAH’s protections will only terminate early if the IAH is modified or appealed.

Step 10: Comply with the IAH

If the court issues a permanent IAH, it is essential to comply with its terms. Failure to do so can result in legal consequences. Even if the petitioner initiates contact with you, you could face negative repercussions for any violation of the IAH. Disobeying an IAH is considered a violation of A.R.S. § 13-2810, and charged as a class 1 misdemeanor in Arizona. A class 1 misdemeanor is punishable by up to 6 months in jail.

Have More Questions About the IAH Process? Call Our Firm for Your Free Consultation.

Obtaining an Injunction Against Harassment in Arizona can be a crucial step to protecting yourself from family-related harassment. Whether you are an individual seeking protection within a family context or addressing harassment issues related to family dynamics, following these steps and consulting with an attorney specializing in family law can help ensure your rights and safety are safeguarded under the law. Each case in the realm of family law is unique, which means that different laws and defenses may apply, and different evidence may be more impactful. At AZ Family Law Lawyers we will assist you in exploring your rights and options in the context of family-related harassment. We have offices in Tucson and throughout Phoenix, offering service in Maricopa, Pima, and Pinal counties. Contact us to get started with your free consultation by phone, or call 480-470-1504.