Prepare your notes before you file
Restraining order forms ask for specific details. This private workspace helps you organize what happened, what evidence you have, and what you want to say, so you can walk into a meeting or a courthouse feeling more prepared.
Your preparation workspace
Tips for writing about incidents
Be specific
Write what was said or done, when it happened, and where. Specific facts are more useful than general labels.
Use short, clear sentences
Short sentences are easier for other people to read and harder to misunderstand. One idea per sentence works well.
Separate what you saw from what you felt
Both matter, but keep them distinct. First describe what happened, then add how it affected you.
Note what you did afterward
If you called someone, went to a hospital, or made a report, write that down. It helps show a pattern and timeline.
Example of a clear incident note
Date: March 12, 2026, around 8:30 pm
Location: Outside my apartment building on Oak Street
What happened: My former partner blocked the door and would not let me leave. They said, "If you try to go, I will make sure you regret it." A neighbor, Sam, was in the hallway and heard this.
Evidence: Text message from later that night repeating the threat. Photo of the doorway showing the layout.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I save my work and come back later?
- Yes. Your notes are saved in your browser on this device. Click "Save" to make sure the latest version is stored. Avoid clearing your browser data if you want to keep your notes.
- Will anyone else see what I write here?
- No. Nothing you enter is sent to a server. It stays in your browser. If you are using a shared computer, print your summary and then use the "Clear all" button.
- What if I do not remember every detail?
- Write down what you do remember and note when something is approximate. Partial information is still helpful for advocates and forms.
- Should I include every argument we ever had?
- Focus on incidents that are relevant to your safety and your request. Too much unrelated detail can make it harder for someone to see the key events.
- How do I describe threats that were not physical?
- Write exactly what was said or done, including tone and context if it matters. Non-physical threats can still be important for a protective order.
Next steps
Once you have your notes together, consider reaching out to a local legal aid organization, domestic violence advocate, or courthouse clerk. They can help you review your summary, complete the correct forms, and understand what to expect at a hearing.