Co-Authored by Cynthia L. Best, Esq. & Tali Best Collins, Esq.

Harassment can look different for everyone. For some people, it’s constant texting. For others, it’s an ex showing up at their workplace, a neighbor threatening them, or a former partner refusing to leave them alone. Many people come to us saying:

• “I don’t want them arrested — I just want them to stop.”
• “I feel uncomfortable, but I’m not sure if this counts as harassment.”
• “Do I really need a restraining order for this?”

In Arizona, you have several options to stop harassment — even if you do not want the police involved and even if you do not want the person arrested.

This guide explains, in plain English, what your legal options are, when they apply, and how you can safely create boundaries.

What Counts as Harassment in Arizona?

Under Arizona law (A.R.S. § 13-2921), harassment includes:

• Repeated unwanted contact (texts, calls, emails, social media)
• Showing up uninvited at your home, work, or public places
• Following you or driving past your residence
• Threatening behavior
• Spreading false information
• Monitoring, spying, or tracking

Harassment does not need to be violent to be illegal.
You also do not need physical evidence to ask the court for protection.

1. Clearly Tell the Person to Stop (If It’s Safe)

A judge will often ask: “Did you tell them to stop contacting you?”

If it is safe, send one clear message such as:

“Do not contact me again in any form. This includes calls, texts, email, visiting my home or workplace, or contacting me through others.”

Do not explain, argue, or respond again.
The message establishes a boundary and creates evidence.

If it feels unsafe to send this message, skip this step and protect yourself another way.

2. Block Their Number and Social Media Accounts

Blocking does not stop all harassers, but it reduces access and shows the court you tried reasonable steps before seeking legal protection.

Things you can block:

• Phone calls and texts
• Social media profiles
• Emails
• Messaging apps
• New accounts created to contact you

If they continue contacting you after you block them — that can strengthen your case for legal relief.

3. Document Every Incident of Harassment

Keep a simple log:

• Date
• Time
• What happened
• Witnesses
• Screenshots or recordings

Arizona judges take harassment far more seriously when it is documented, organized, and repeated.

The more detail you have, the faster a judge can issue protection.

4. File a Harassment Injunction (If You’re Not in a Domestic Relationship)

If the person is:

• A neighbor
• A coworker
• A stranger
• A friend
• An acquaintance
• A roommate you’re not romantically involved with

…you can file an Injunction Against Harassment.

This is different from an Order of Protection.
It’s for non-domestic situations.

An Injunction Against Harassment can:

• Stop all contact
• Prevent the person from coming near you
• Prohibit online or electronic harassment
• Restrict visits to your home or workplace

And importantly:
You do not have to involve the police or press charges to get one.

You simply request the order from an Arizona court, describe the harassment, and if the judge believes it is significant, the order is issued.

5. File an Order of Protection (If the Harasser Is a Family or Domestic Relation)

If the harasser is a:

• Current or former spouse
• Romantic partner
• Co-parent
• Someone you have lived with
• Family member
• Parent or step-parent
• Someone with whom you share a child

…you may qualify for an Order of Protection under A.R.S. § 13-3601.

This can force them to:

• Stop all contact
• Stay away from your home, work, or school
• Stop harassment or threats
• Stay away from your children
• Move out of your shared home

Most people do not realize:
You can request an order even if you do not want them arrested.

A person is only arrested if they violate the order — not because you filed it.

6. Ask the Court for a “No Contact Provision” During a Divorce or Custody Case

If you are divorcing or dealing with a family law matter, you can ask the court to:

• Order communication only through a parenting app
• Require all communication to be written
• Prohibit in-person discussions
• Limit communication to children’s needs
• Keep exchanges in a safe public place

You do not need an Order of Protection to set these boundaries during a family law case.

7. When You Don’t Want Them Arrested: Your Options

Many people fear filing a legal action because they don’t want to “ruin someone’s life.”

Here are your options that do not require criminal charges:

✔ Ask the court for a civil harassment injunction

✔ Ask the court for a no-contact order

✔ Request written-only communication

✔ Use a monitored communication app

✔ Request third-party exchange for children

✔ Have an attorney send a formal cease-and-desist letter

All of these can help you regain control of your life without involving the police unless the person violates the order.

8. When Should You Involve an Attorney?

You may want legal help when:

• The harassment is escalating
• The person is threatening to take legal action against you
• The harasser is a co-parent
• You share a home with them
• You need protection but don’t want retaliation
• You don’t know whether you need an Injunction or an Order of Protection

Best Law Firm has handled thousands of harassment, domestic violence, and protection-order cases in Maricopa County. We know what judges look for and how to prepare a persuasive petition.

9. You Are Not Overreacting — Harassment Is a Form of Abuse

If someone makes you feel unsafe, anxious, or constantly monitored, that is not normal — and you have legal rights in Arizona.

You do not need to wait until the harassment escalates into violence.
You do not need to file criminal charges.
You do not need to handle this alone.

Our team is here to guide you through your options safely and confidentially.

Schedule a Consultation

Whether you want to explore your rights, stop the harassment quietly, or obtain formal court protection, we can help.

📞 Call Best Law Firm
📍 Scottsdale, Arizona
🌐 BestLawAZ.com

Your safety, peace, and privacy matter.

About the Authors

Cynthia L. Best, Esq.

Founder, Best Law Firm
18+ Years Arizona Family Law Experience • Certified Mediator
Author of The Divorce Coach

Tali Best Collins, Esq.

Managing Attorney, Best Law Firm
Experienced Litigator • Family Law Specialist • Domestic Violence Advocate

Together, Cynthia and Tali have represented thousands of clients in domestic violence, harassment, and family law matters throughout Arizona.