Maricopa County's Law Library Resource Center helps victims of domestic violence

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PHOENIX - October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County is assisting victims through its four Law Library Resource Center locations.

"Through its four Law Library Resource Center locations throughout Maricopa County and in partnership with AZPOINT (Arizona Protective Order Initiation and Notification Tool), the Judicial Branch helps Maricopa County residents understand and navigate the process of obtaining protection orders to assist with domestic violence or harassment," stated Vincent Funari, Public Information Officer.

"The Law Library Resource Center is available to assist victims of domestic violence by providing the resources necessary to complete the paperwork in person or remotely. The centers have advocates available to assist those who are in need of services, such as safety planning, temporary housing or shelters, and other assistance as appropriate," said Paula Collins, administrator of the Law Library Resource Center. "While the advocates are not court employees, they are available to provide help and resources to those seeking protective orders."

Law Library Resource Center locations:

101 W. Jefferson Street, Phoenix
18380 N. 40th Street, Phoenix
14264 W. Tierra Buena Lane, Surprise
222 E. Javelina Avenue, Mesa

You can also access AZPOINT online at https://azpoint.azcourts.gov. On the website, users can:

Seek an order of protection
Injunction against harassment
Injunction against workplace harassment

"When a petitioner creates an AZPOINT user account and enters their data, a confirmation number is provided that is used to generate a petition for a protective order. The petitioner would then be directed to call the jurisdictional court to schedule a remote hearing. As a result of the hearing, a judicial officer may issue an order that will be served by law enforcement or constable. Service of Orders of Protection by law enforcement or constable are free," stated Funari.

Funari says there is no fee to file a Petition for Order of Protection or to file a Petition for Injunction Against Harassment, but a Petition for an Injunction Against Workplace Harassment is $333.

For more information, head to https://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/llrc/protective-orders or call the Law Library Resource Center at 602-506-7353. You can also chat with a librarian at http://superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/llrc or email services@jbazmc.maricopa.gov.