How Protection Orders Work in Douglas County: Filing, Service, and Enforcement
Getting a protection order in Douglas County comes down to three things: cost, when it takes effect, and what happens if someone violates it. Here's how filing, service, and enforcement actually work.
In Nebraska, protection orders don't cost anything to file. The only exception: if a judge determines you lied or filed for improper reasons, you could be ordered to pay costs.
Note: If the court finds the request was dishonest or improper, a judge can order costs even though protection orders usually don’t have court costs.
A protection order isn't enforceable the moment a judge signs it. In Nebraska, it only takes effect after a sheriff or deputy personally serves a copy on the person you're seeking protection from. Until that happens, enforcement is limited. Service isn't a formality - it's essential.
- Confirm the order has been signed - once the judge signs the protection order, the next critical piece is getting it served.
- Make sure service is handled by law enforcement - the order isn’t effective until a sheriff or deputy personally gives a copy to the restrained person.
- Track whether service happened - you’ll want to know when (and if) personal service was completed, because that’s when the order takes effect.
Tip: Local rules vary. Call the Douglas County district court clerk to confirm how service is arranged and how to verify it's been completed.
If the restrained person violates the order, call the police. You don't need to prove anything in the moment - that's law enforcement's job.
What can happen next: Under Nebraska state law, a person who violates a protection order may be arrested and jailed for the violation.
An ex parte protection order is temporary. It stays in effect only until your court hearing, where a judge decides whether to dismiss it or extend it for one year.
If the restrained person doesn't request a hearing, the ex parte order remains in effect for one year. After that, Sexual Assault or Domestic Abuse Protection Orders can be renewed annually.
Timeline to keep straight: An ex parte order lasts until the hearing, and it can be continued for one year. If no hearing is requested, it can stay in effect for one year - and certain orders may be renewed annually after that.
Local procedure matters. Each district court has specific rules, and missing a step can stall your case. For Douglas County, check with the clerk of the district court to make sure you're filing correctly.
- ✓ Call the Douglas County district court clerk to ask what local rules apply to protection-order cases
- ✓ Confirm where and when you can file (hours and any local procedures)
- ✓ Ask whether the court requires any local forms or steps in addition to the standard paperwork
- ✓ Verify how personal service by a sheriff or deputy is arranged and how you’ll know when it’s been completed
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