Alabama § 30-5-3 - Jurisdiction; Request for Protection Order; Venue; Other Actions; Residency.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 30-5-3 — Jurisdiction; Request for Protection Order; Venue; Other Actions; Residency., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 30-5-3. Jurisdiction; Request for Protection Order; Venue; Other Actions; Residency.
(a) The courts, as provided in this chapter, shall have jurisdiction to issue protection orders.
(b) A protection order may be requested in any pending civil or domestic relations action, as an independent civil action, or in conjunction with the preliminary, final, or post-judgment relief in a civil action.
(c) A petition for a protection order may be filed in any of the following locations:
(1) Where the plaintiff or defendant resides.
(2) Where the plaintiff is temporarily located if he or she has left his or her residence to avoid further abuse.
(3) Where the abuse occurred.
(4) Where a civil matter is pending before the court in which the plaintiff and the defendant are opposing parties.
(d) When custody, visitation, or support, or a combination of them, of a child or children has been established in a previous court order in this state, or an action containing any of the issues above is pending in a court in this state in which the plaintiff and the defendant are opposing parties, a copy of any temporary ex parte protection order issued pursuant to this chapter and the case giving rise thereto should be transferred to the court of original venue of custody, visitation, or support for further disposition as soon as practical taking into account the safety of the plaintiff and any children.
(e) A minimum period of residency of a plaintiff is not required to petition the court for an order of protection.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 30-5-3
What does Code of Alabama § 30-5-3 cover?
Section 30-5-3 ("Jurisdiction; Request for Protection Order; Venue; Other Actions; Residency.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 30-5-3?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 30-5-3" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 30-5-3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.