How long does a preliminary protective order last?

• A. Fifteen days
• B. Thirty days
• C. Sixty days
• D. Ninety days

Answer: (A)

A preliminary protective order is meant to provide immediate protection while a court reviews the case, so it is kept short. In this stage, the order lasts fifteen days. It gives the protected party quick safety and buys time for a full court hearing to decide whether a longer-term protection should be issued. If no longer-term order is granted after the hearing, the preliminary order simply expires after the fifteen-day window. The longer timeframes listed would only apply if the court extends protection after a hearing or issues a different, longer-term order.