Guam residents can now apply for civil protection orders using a free online tool available on the Judiciary of Guam website.
That means people no longer need to go to court if they are seeking protection from domestic violence, stalking and sexual assault.
The service also allows individuals to report a violation of an existing order, or request a change to an order.
“Not everyone can walk into a courthouse when they need help,” Chief Justice Robert J. Torres said in a news release. “This new tool gives people another way to reach us— safely and on their own terms. It meets people where they are and helps them take that first, often most difficult, step.”
Torres noted that individuals needing protection might face barriers such as transportation, work schedules, or safety concerns.
The platform walks users through a series of plain-language questions to make sure the appropriate type of case is selected, depending on the situation and the relationship between the people involved.
Once questions are answered, the platform completes the required forms and allows people to submit them electronically. Once the order is submitted for filing, a clerk will call or email if there are follow-up questions or instructions.
The platform also connects users to free legal service providers if they need more help.
