Illinois Order of Protection Lawyer

Awards and Recognition

Law Office of Russell D. Knight has been named a Tier 2 firm in Chicago for Family Law in the 2027 edition of Best Law Firms®.

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An order of protection can change where you live, when you see your children, and how your divorce moves forward, often within days. Whether you are asking the court for protection or have been served with a petition, you need to understand the process and act quickly.

The Law Office of Russell D. Knight represents clients in Illinois order of protection cases, including those filed on their own and those filed as part of a divorce. We help clients prepare for each hearing and understand what the court can order.

Call (773) 334-6311 or schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

How Orders of Protection Work in Illinois

Orders of protection are governed by the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986 (750 ILCS 60). There are three types:

Emergency order: can be entered without prior notice to the other party and lasts not less than 14 nor more than 21 days.
Interim order: lasts up to 30 days.
Plenary order: entered after the respondent has notice of the hearing. It generally lasts up to two years and can be extended.

A petition can be filed on its own or under the same case number as a pending divorce or other family law case. Depending on the facts, the court can order a respondent to stay away from the petitioner, grant exclusive possession of the home, address the physical care of children and parenting time, and order temporary support.

Russell D. Knight

Russell D. Knight has practiced divorce and family law in Chicago since 2006. He authored Chapter 3, “Obtaining Orders of Protection,” in IICLE Family Law: Dissolution of Marriage Court Proceedings (2024 Edition), published by the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education.

Looking for Experienced Order of Protection Lawyer?

Order of Protection Articles and Guides

Getting an Order of Protection

Responding to a Petition

Children, Support, and Divorce

After an Order Is Entered

Speak with a Chicago Divorce Lawyer

Discuss Your Order of Protection Case with Russell D. Knight

Contact the Law Office of Russell D. Knight to schedule a free consultation. Call (773) 334-6311 to discuss your Illinois order of protection case.

Reviews from Our Clients

"Russell Knight was extremely helpful when I came to him with a divorce case last year. This attorney really just has a way to explain things in a way that makes you less stressed. Is it possible that a lawyer has great bedside manner? It is with Russell. And it’s not just empty words either. Attorney Russell follows through with what he said he will do. Five stars for this lawyer!"

Sondra Burns

"Mr. Knight returned my phone call immediately, which is unusual for most attorneys I'm familiar with. His answers to my questions were succinct, articulate, and absolutely spot on."

Sara Larson

"Russell handled my divorce case. I would highly recommend him. He offers great legal advice, is very prompt to responding to concerns that need to be immediately addressed, and was always easy to get a hold of. His office is very on top of things. I felt like his fees were more than reasonable, and I was very happy with my settlement. Thank you, Russell!"

Skagirl 29

"Russell did amazing and got me full custody of my children🙌 Thank you again!"

Dominique Anderson

"When my ex-husband and I were on the verge of divorce last year, I reached out to attorney Russell Knight for advice. Even before we had an agreement that he was going to represent me, Mr. Knight was very helpful already. He answered all my questions and laid all of my options and helped me figure out the right course of action. Of course, I had to hire him to help me with my divorce process. He is very skilled and he really understands what he’s doing. Thank you, Mr. Knight!"

Bobby Price

"Great divorce attorney. If you are looking for an attorney that knows how to handle divorces diligently and competently in the Chicagoland area, then go to Russell Knight."

Andrew Hamilton

"Russell Knight is the most trustworthy family law attorney you will ever meet. Everything Russell says comes from a really good place and his words just set your mind at ease. The best part about working with them in my opinion is how helpful and available they make themselves. Someone is always there to answer questions. Russell's team makes you feel valued. Thank you so much Russell!"

Joshua Merrick

"Russell is extremely helpful to everyone in the community and always willing to help. He is an extremely knowledgeable divorce attorney. He is a huge asset to his profession, the legal community and his clients."

Rebecca Day

"Russell and his team helped me so much work through a difficult post divorce situation. Not only did they go out of their way for me, but they helped me understand the best route for us to get through it successfully!"

Emily Cheng

"Attorney Knight and his team were a big help. They took care of everything for me and kept me informed throughout the process. Their time, energy, effort and most of all their patients were greatly appreciated. Will definitely call him again!"

Monica Magee

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