Orders of Protection
The Orders of Protection Division of the Circuit Clerk’s Office processes cases involving requests for protection from domestic violence, stalking, or harassment. This includes both ex parte and full orders of protection. The Clerk’s Office is responsible for maintaining official court records, assisting with filings, and coordinating the scheduling of hearings.
Please be advised that this Court and the Clerk’s Office are prohibited by law from responding to requests for legal advice.
You will need to direct your requests to a licensed attorney. Learn More.
Orders of Protection
Orders of Protection are available for individuals seeking protection from abuse. Missouri law provides for Adult Abuse Orders of Protection and Child Protection Orders.
Filing an Order of Protection
There is no filing fee.
Petitions may be filed in the county where the petitioner resides, where the respondent resides, or where the alleged abuse occurred.
Forms are available for download online, but MUST NOT BE SIGNED by the filer until they are sworn before a court officer at their filing location.
If an emergency exists, a judge may issue an Ex Parte Order the same day. A full hearing is generally scheduled within 15 days.
After-hours help and filings can be made at multiple locations in Howell County. Location details below.
You can also open the Adult Abuse Act Notice here for the same information.
What to Bring
Respondent’s full name and address
Description of the incidents
Any relevant documentation (if available)
Forms & Resources
Click on the underlined links to download.
After Hours Locations:
Howell County Sheriff’s Department
Address: 1106 Missouri Ave, West Plains, MO 65775
Phone: (417) 256-2544West Plains Police Department
Address:912 Holiday Ln, West Plains, MO 65775
Phone:(417) 256-2244Willow Springs Police Department
Address: 700 W Main St Business 60, Willow Springs, MO 65793
Phone: (417) 469-3158Mountain View Police Department
Address: 233 2nd St, Mountain View, MO 65548
Phone: (417) 934-2525Agape House
Address:1225 N Grant Ave, Springfield, MO 65802
Phone: (417) 865-5408Christo’s House
Address: 1554 Imperial Center, West Plains, MO 65775
Shelter: Undisclosed address.
Hotline: 1-800-611-5853
Hotline and shelter with beds available 24/7.
Confidential Information Handout
Download Here.
DISCLAIMER: These examples are for illustration only and are not a comprehensive list. There is no exhaustive list of all information that may be confidential under state or federal law. For help, you may want to consult with an attorney.
Court Forms
Forms are available for download online, but MUST NOT BE SIGNED by the filer until they are sworn before a court officer at their filing location.
For additional information and approved forms, visit the Missouri Judiciary at: Missouri Courts: Adult Protection Forms or Missouri Courts: Child Protection Forms
Records Request Forms
Records request forms are available to download and complete here. After completion, forms may be submitted by mail or via email to hwl.recordsrequest@courts.mo.gov. Processing times and applicable fees may apply.
Records Request | Transcript Request| CD Audio Recording Request
Court Fees
Court fees are the standard costs required to file, process, or manage a case through the court system. A court fee schedule is a list outlining those fees based on the type of case or service requested.
Local Court Rules
Local Court Rules define the procedures and requirements for filing and managing cases within this circuit. Parties are encouraged to review these rules before filing to ensure compliance with court standards.