BLOG

What to Do If Someone Serves You with a Restraining Order

Robert Stahle • September 7, 2021
A man is writing on a piece of paper with a pen.

If you have been served with a restraining order, it can be a daunting and overwhelming experience, especially if this is your first time being involved with the court system. Restraining orders are typically served by law enforcement, and having the police show up at your doorstep with a restraining order is disorienting and overwhelming. It is not an experience that most people want to have, especially if this is your first time being involved with the court system. Here at Fitch & Stahle Law Office, our defense attorney recommends contacting our office if you have been served with a restraining order.

Being served with a restraining order does not mean that all hope is not lost. However, obtaining proper legal protection is critical at this stage, as doing so can make the difference between, for instance, seeing your children and no longer seeing them. Here is an overview of what you should and should not do.

Unfair TRO? Get a FREE Consultation with a Qualified Lawyer!

Steps to Take

If you have been served with a temporary restraining order, the first thing that you should make sure to do is follow it. While it may be tempting to make contact with the filer of the order, doing so can turn the temporary restraining order into a permanent one. If you have not yet contacted our criminal lawyer , now is a great time to do so. An attorney will help you prepare for the hearing on the permanent order. During this time, you also should:


  • Gather any physical evidence related to any incidents or events that the petition refers to, such as clothing, photos, videos, and objects.
  • Assemble documents or records related to the case, such as letters, emails, phone and GPS records, computer records, and anything that demonstrates where you were at the time of the incident.
  • Make a list of possible witnesses. Include every person who may have information about the incident and the accusations of the filer.

All of the above may be useful in a court situation because if the accuser has made false allegations against you, you might have photos or videos that prove they are lying. For instance, if the accuser says that you are calling or texting repeatedly, then phone records could prove otherwise.

What Not to Do

If you are facing a restraining order, here are some things that you should avoid.


  • Destroy evidence that you think could hurt your case. Doing so may cast a suspicious light on you and lead to further criminal charges
  • Try to talk to the petitioner or witnesses you expect will testify for the petitioner. This violates the terms of the restraining order.
  • Disobey the temporary restraining order in any way.

If you violate the temporary restraining order, the petitioner can bring that up in the hearing for a permanent order, and it will make it harder for you to defend yourself.

Contact Our Sioux City Attorneys

Whether a restraining order has been filed against you in Iowa or Nebraska, you should contact our criminal lawyer immediately. Reach out at 402-494-3012.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims in Nebraska and Iowa:

By Robert Stahle • October 30, 2025
A Guide for Grieving Families

Injured in a Car Accident in Nebraska or Iowa?

By Robert Stahle • October 22, 2025
A car accident can change your life in a matter of seconds. One moment you’re commuting or running errands, and the next, you’re facing a wrecked vehicle, physical pain, and a growing stack of medical bills. It’s stressful, overwhelming, and often confusing—especially when you’re not sure what to do next. At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we help car accident victims in South Sioux City , Sioux City , and across Nebraska and Iowa understand their rights and recover the compensation they deserve. In this post, we’ll walk you through the critical steps to take after a crash—and how to protect your health, finances, and legal claim. Step 1: Prioritize Your Safety and Health Immediately after a crash, your safety comes first. If possible: Move your vehicle out of traffic Check yourself and others for injuries Call 911 for medical help and law enforcement Even if you don’t feel seriously hurt, get evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. Many injuries—like whiplash, concussions, or internal trauma—don’t show symptoms right away. A prompt medical exam not only protects your health, it also documents your injuries for your insurance claim. Step 2: Call the Police and File an Accident Report In both Nebraska and Iowa , it’s important to report any crash involving: Injury or death Property damage over $1,000 A hit-and-run or uninsured driver The responding officer will create a police report , which includes key facts like: Date, time, and location of the accident Statements from drivers and witnesses Diagrams or photos of the scene Initial assessment of fault This report becomes vital evidence in your personal injury claim. Be honest and factual—but avoid admitting fault or guessing what happened. Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene (If You Can) If you are physically able and it’s safe to do so, collect the following: Photos of vehicle damage, injuries, skid marks, and surroundings Driver’s license, insurance, and contact info of all involved Contact info for witnesses Notes about the weather, road conditions, and what you recall If you’re unable to collect this yourself, Fitch & Stahle Law Firm may be able to retrieve surveillance footage, witness statements, or crash data later—but the more you gather early, the better. Step 4: Notify Your Insurance Company Most policies require you to notify your insurer after a crash. However, you do not need to give a recorded statement , especially before speaking to a lawyer. Stick to the basics: Where and when the crash happened Who was involved That you’re seeking medical treatment Avoid discussing fault, injuries, or potential settlement values. Insurance companies often use early statements to downplay your claim later. Step 5: Call a Car Accident Lawyer—Before You Talk to the Other Driver’s Insurance The at-fault driver’s insurance company may reach out soon after the crash. They might offer a quick settlement or ask for a recorded interview. Don’t be fooled— their goal is to protect their bottom line, not your recovery . When you call Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we: Handle all communication with insurance companies Protect you from saying something that hurts your case Calculate the real value of your damages Make sure you aren’t pressured into a lowball settlement We offer free consultations and don’t charge legal fees unless we win your case. Step 6: Keep Track of Everything Start a folder or digital log for your car accident claim. Include: Medical bills and records Receipts for prescriptions or medical equipment Notes from doctor visits Pay stubs showing missed work A journal of your pain levels, emotional struggles, or daily challenges This documentation helps prove pain and suffering , lost income , and the long-term impact of your injury. What Compensation Can You Recover? Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for: Emergency room care and medical treatment Physical therapy and future healthcare needs Vehicle repairs or total loss Lost wages or reduced earning capacity Pain and suffering Emotional distress Permanent disability or disfigurement If the at-fault driver was reckless—such as driving drunk or texting behind the wheel—you may also qualify for punitive damages . At Fitch & Stahle , we fight for the maximum compensation available under Nebraska or Iowa law. How Long Do I Have to File a Claim? The legal deadline to file a car accident lawsuit (called the statute of limitations ) is: 4 years in Nebraska 2 years in Iowa However, it’s best to act early. Delays in filing can lead to lost evidence, unclear medical records, and a weaker case overall. Why Choose Fitch & Stahle Law Firm? We’ve spent years helping injured drivers in the Siouxland region get justice after devastating car accidents. Here’s why clients trust us: ✅ Local Experience : Based in South Sioux City , we know the roads, courts, and insurers in both Nebraska and Iowa. ✅ Full-Service Representation : From crash investigation to courtroom litigation, we handle every step. ✅ Licensed in NE & IA : Whether your accident happened on I-29, Highway 77, or in town, we’ve got you covered. ✅ No Upfront Fees : You pay nothing unless we win your case. Don’t Go Through This Alone—We’re Here to Help If you were injured in a car accident in South Sioux City , Sioux City , or anywhere in Northeast Nebraska or Northwest Iowa , don’t wait to protect your rights. The sooner you act, the stronger your claim. 📞 Call us now at 402-494-3012 🌐 Schedule your free consultation at fitch-stahlelaw.com 📍 Visit us at our South Sioux City office At Fitch & Stahle Law Firm , we fight for car accident victims every day—and we’re ready to fight for you.