What is issued by the court to prevent harassment or abuse by restraining the respondent from certain actions?

• A. Order of Protection
• B. Writ of Garnishment
• C. Substitute Service
• D. Proof of Service / Return of Service

Answer: (A)

An Order of Protection is a court-issued remedy designed to stop harassment or abuse by restraining the respondent from certain actions toward the protected person. It typically bars contact, approaching, or being near the petitioner and may include additional safety provisions, available in temporary form or after a hearing for a longer duration. The other terms serve different purposes: a writ of garnishment collects money owed to a debtor, substitute service is a way to deliver papers when personal service isn’t possible, and proof of service/return of service is the document confirming that service occurred. So the protective order is the tool specifically meant to prevent harassment or abuse.