Oregon Legal Research Blog
The Media Release, “Oregon Courts Make It Easier to Complete Documents in Domestic Violence Restraining Order Cases,” can be found from OJD Media Releases, What’s New (for 1/15/15).
If you have trouble reaching the actual online FAPA service from the URL in the Media Release, it’s not you (there’s a rogue www in the URL), so go to the OJD Restraining Orders – Family Abuse Prevention Act (FAPA) webpage and look for the “Use Online Question-and-Answer Interview based eForms” link.
It doesn’t say so clearly, but you will likely need to create an account so be prepared to create a user-name and password. This feature enables you to return to your form later to complete or correct it.
Also, note the important warning, clearly stated on the first page:
“WARNING: Your Internet activity can be tracked. It is impossible to completely clear the “footprints” showing where each site visitor has been. If the person who is harming you has access to your computer, use a trusted friend’s computer or a computer at the library. If you need immediate assistance, call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 and TTY 1-800-787-3224.”
Most Oregon public and county law libraries have computers you can use to complete your request for a court order.
Excerpt from the Media Release:
“Preparing documents in Family Abuse Prevention Act (FAPA) restraining order cases will be simpler starting today. Electronic interview-based forms now available on all Oregon circuit court websites will make it easier for parties to fill out and file FAPA documents with the courts.
To be able to provide these types of forms has been a long-time goal of the Chief Justice, State Family Law Advisory Committee (SFLAC), judges, and administrators throughout the Oregon Judicial Department (OJD). The forms, which have been used in Multnomah County since September 2012, use a simple online interview process to make sure all statutorily-required information is provided. The user then prints the forms for court filing. The process makes it easier for petitioners and respondents in FAPA cases to complete the forms, and more efficient for the courts to adjudicate these cases because the form is complete and legible.
The forms are available through the Oregon Judicial Department (OJD) website [bad link – see above]. There is no charge to people using this service.
….
Forms available in this program allow people to apply for, modify, dismiss, or challenge a FAPA restraining order. Approximately 10,000 FAPA cases are filed in Oregon courts each year….”
Stay safe!