Protective order is a broad phrase that can refer to several different types of Arizona court orders designed to protect a person from harm and unwanted contact. The most common in family law is an Order of Protection.

An Order of Protection is available when qualifying domestic violence allegations exist under A.R.S. § 13-3602. It can be obtained ex parte without prior notice to the other party. Under the Alec and Lydia Act an Order of Protection based on domestic violence is part of the documented history that supports the mandatory presumption in any parenting proceeding.