What Can I Do if My Ex Is Stalking Me?

 Posted on March 08, 2025 in Domestic Violence / Orders of Protection

When a former romantic partner or spouse refuses to leave you alone, you might feel threatened – maybe even in fear for your life. By petitioning for a stalking no contact order, you can get legal protections from stalking and other obsessive behaviors by your ex. An Illinois family law attorney can support you during this difficult time, helping you take action against your abuser.

Nobody deserves to be put in danger by a former romantic partner. At Calabrese Associates, P.C., we represent vulnerable people looking to obtain orders of protection. Our family law attorney can guide you through the legal process of getting protection from a stalker. Anyone seeking a protective order should exercise caution, as some abusers may lash out when threatened with legal action.

Obtaining an Emergency Stalking No Contact Order

An emergency order of protection is a powerful tool for survivors of domestic abuse. This short-term order can be put in place with your testimony alone if a judge thinks there is good cause for it. You can even get protection if the court is closed for a holiday or during the evening.

An emergency no contact order can provide you with immediate, albeit temporary, relief from a stalker. A judge can order your ex to stay away from you or another protected person. Additionally, your stalker may be required to turn over any firearms at the judge’s discretion.

This order will only last for a maximum of 21 days. If you want to get long-term protection from your abuser, you will have to apply for a plenary order of protection. The earlier you get in contact with an attorney, the sooner you can start building a case for a plenary order.

Compile Evidence

Before your hearing, you should take the time to document any evidence of stalking by your ex. If you have not done so already, make note of the times your ex followed you, intimidated you, or threatened you.

If possible, make contact with anyone who is willing to testify about your ex’s patterns of stalking. At Calabrese Associates, P.C., we can help you compile all of the evidence ahead of your hearing, building a case for a long-term, plenary order of protection.

Hearing for a Plenary No Contact Order

In a hearing for a plenary no contact order, both you and your abuser will be brought to the courtroom. If your ex does not appear at this hearing, a judge may decide to give you a plenary order of protection without further argument. If your stalker does appear in court, we can speak for you and make clear how your ex’s repeated stalking has harmed you.

A plenary no contact order can forbid an abuser from contacting you, and bar him or her from coming within a certain distance of your school, work, or home. This order can last for up to two years, but it can be extended in another hearing.

Contact a DuPage County, IL Protective Order Lawyer Today

A no contact order can provide you with security and peace of mind from a stalker. At Calabrese Associates, P.C., our Naperville, IL family law attorney can help you take steps to get legal protection from an abusive ex. Call us at 630-393-3111 to set up a consultation.