When you’re in the middle of a family crisis, sometimes you can’t wait weeks for a court date. That’s where emergency orders come in. These temporary legal tools are designed to offer fast protection when someone’s safety or well-being is at risk. Whether you’re worried about your child’s safety, need protection from an abusive partner, or face an unexpected medical or custody issue, we can help you act quickly.
At Cohen Family Law, we understand how stressful these situations can be. We’ll help you take the right legal steps without delay.
What Is an Emergency Order?
An emergency order is a legal decision issued by a judge when there’s an immediate need for protection or action. These orders are often temporary and can be issued without notifying the other party ahead of time. In legal terms, this is called an “ex parte” order.
Courts don’t grant emergency orders lightly. You’ll need to show that a serious risk exists, such as abuse, neglect, or the threat of harm. If the court agrees, the order may go into effect the same day, but a hearing will usually be scheduled soon after so both sides can be heard.
Types of Emergency Orders in Arizona
Orders of Protection / Restraining Orders
Orders of protection are meant to protect people from domestic violence, threats, or harassment. You can request one against someone you live with, used to live with, or are related to, including a current or former spouse, partner, or close relative.
An order of protection can:
- Require the other person to stay away from your home, work, or school
- Stop them from contacting you
- Remove them from a shared home
Once granted, the order usually lasts one year. The court may schedule a hearing if the other person contests the order.
Emergency Custody Orders
When a child is in danger, a parent or guardian can ask the court for emergency custody. This might happen if the other parent has been arrested, is using drugs, or is otherwise putting the child at risk.
Emergency custody can:
- Temporarily give one parent full decision-making power
- Prevent the other parent from seeing the child until the issue is resolved
- Ensure a child receives medical care or is moved to a safe environment
The court may require a follow-up hearing to decide if the order should stay in place.
Emergency Guardianship
In some cases, someone who isn’t the child’s parent, like a grandparent, relative, or close family friend, may need to step in quickly. Emergency guardianship allows them to take temporary legal responsibility for the child’s care.
Situations where this may apply include:
- Both parents are hospitalized or incarcerated
- A child is left without care due to an unexpected crisis
- The current guardian is unable to continue providing care
This type of order is usually short-term but can be extended or made permanent if needed.
Other Urgent Family Law Orders
The court can also issue emergency orders to:
- Stop a parent from moving a child out of state
- Freeze marital assets to prevent financial loss
- Allow one parent access to a child’s school or health records
If there’s a time-sensitive legal need, emergency orders offer a way to address it quickly.
How to Get an Emergency Order in Arizona
Getting an emergency order usually starts by filing a petition with the family court. You’ll need to provide a written explanation of the emergency and why the order is necessary.
Here’s what to expect:
- File the petition at your local court
- Submit an affidavit or declaration explaining the urgency
- Request a hearing, which may happen the same day
- Present your case to a judge, who will decide whether to grant the order
Even if the judge issues the order without the other person present, a full hearing is typically set within a few days.
When Should You Seek an Emergency Order?
It’s time to act fast when:
- Someone threatens violence or has already caused harm
- Your child is in immediate danger due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment
- A parent tries to take your child out of state without your permission
- There’s an urgent medical decision to make, and no agreement between the parents
Waiting too long can increase the risk. If you think an emergency order might be appropriate, we encourage you to reach out.
How We Can Help You Take Swift Legal Action
At Cohen Family Law, we take urgent matters seriously. When your safety, your child’s well-being, or your legal rights are at stake, we’re ready to move fast. We’ll help you file the correct paperwork, explain your case to the court, and prepare for any hearings that follow. We understand Arizona’s emergency order procedures and will make sure your case is presented clearly and confidently.
Contact an Experienced Phoenix Emergency Order Attorney
If you’re dealing with a family emergency, don’t wait. Contact Cohen Family Law today. We’ll help you take quick, decisive legal action to protect what matters most.
