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Restraining order

dani
May 20, 2014
6
Question

I have a neighbor who doesn't know how to keep to herself. I've had to call the police several times because of her, and yesterday, they recommended that given the numerous reports against her, I consider getting a restraining order.

Just curious, before I jump in the deep end here, does anyone have any experience with this? Any idea how long it takes or how much it costs?

kasseistamper

I've no idea what it might cost but, before starting out down that road, ask yourself whether you think it will work. And, if it doesn't work, what then? Are you prepared to take the next step which might lead to her being imprisoned or otherwise physically restrained?
You mention, 'the numerous reports against her'. Are these exclusively made by you or are other neighbours involved? If so, have you discussed the problem with them? It probably doesn't make much sense going it alone if others have complained but are not prepared to take things to the next level.
Have you considered telling her that the police have recommended a restraining order? If you do, you might get a sense of whether she is likely to take any notice if one is granted.
Whatever you decide, good luck.

May 20, 2014 10:12
dani

I was trying to avoid specifics and focus just on the procedure of the matter. I really don't know what will work any more, but this was the recommendation given by the police. I'm not sure I want to go down that road, but I want to be prepared if I do.

The reports are coming from others in the neighborhood, but since she lives directly beside me, I have a few more complaints than others. The one from yesterday was from her stealing my dog. She took him from my garden, came to the house to yell that we're abusing the dog and that she's keeping him for his own protection. This is not the first time she has done that. And no, we're not abusing the dog--he gets better food than I do, sleeps in the same bed as me, and always has someone here to look after him and take him for walks. The police and animal protection have both been sent to our house multiple times because of this woman, and each time they have ended their visit by asking "Why were we sent here?"

The woman has hit, yelled at, and thrown things at other neighbors' children and tried to steal another person's dog because she thought the dog was too large for this neighborhood. She has told the local pharmacist that I'm a drug dealer and not to fill my prescriptions. This woman isn't the type to listen to reason.

If you have any other recommendations, I'd love to hear them, but at this point, I'm ready to follow the advice of the police. I'm just curious about the cost and time required to do it. I'd rather not have to sell my house and relocate because of this poor woman.

May 20, 2014 11:22
J

Sounds like she needs to be sectioned. Have you tried social services?

If the police have recommended a restraining order, then do that - they may well need that to go to whatever the next stage is. You probably do that through the Juge de Paix.

May 20, 2014 11:59
J

> sell my house and relocate because of this poor woman
I think you would have to declare that to any potential buyer. Moving her ought to prove the cheaper option.

May 20, 2014 12:00
Rico

Sorry, no experience about restraining orders, but I agree with J about getting her into a psych institution. She can be placed in one against her will IF she is a danger to herself or others.

May 20, 2014 16:38
melpep

Does she have family? If so, could you speak to them first? Try to settle this with their help? If not then go the tough-love route!

May 21, 2014 14:17