HB 1814 - This act modifies provisions relating to orders of protection.

No filing fees, court costs or bond will be assessed in an action seeking a protective order. This act adds victims of the crimes of domestic assault and stalking to the list of victims that do not have to pay any fees associated with filing criminal charges against the offender. Only the petitioner can file a motion to terminate an order of protection. If the order granted child custody to the respondent, then the act provides procedures for both parties to agree or object to a request for termination.

The act provides that foreign orders of protection will be enforceable in state courts. The foreign order may be filed in the circuit court having jurisdiction. No fee or cost may be charged for the filing of the foreign order.

A court may order a party to pay a reasonable amount to the other party for attorney's fees in actions seeking a protective order. Current law allows the court to order a party to pay a reasonable amount for the cost to the other party of maintaining or defending the suit, as well as for attorney's fees.

The clerk of the court shall make the uniform forms adopted by the supreme court available to petitioners. Section 455.508 is deleted based on changes to Section 455.504.

The clerk must notify the guardian ad litem of appointment immediately and give the guardian the names of the parties within 24 hours.

This act is similar to portions of SB 1152 (2002).
JIM ERTLE