How to get a cease and desist order
A court-issued order is stronger than a letter, but requires filing a lawsuit and asking a judge for an injunction.
Step 1, Send a letter first
Courts want to see that you tried to resolve the issue outside of court. A dated, delivered cease and desist letter is the foundation for any future filing.
Step 2, Document the harm
Save every message, call log, photo, receipt, and witness contact. An order requires proof of ongoing or threatened harm.
Step 3, File for an injunction
You (or your attorney) file a civil complaint plus a motion for a temporary restraining order (TRO) or preliminary injunction in your county's civil court. Filing fees range from $100 to $400.
Step 4, Attend the hearing
The judge hears both sides, usually within days for a TRO. If the judge agrees, they issue an order requiring the other party to stop, with real legal consequences for violations.
When to hire a lawyer
Injunctions involve procedural rules that vary by state. For anything beyond the simplest case, hiring a local civil litigation attorney is worth it.
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StopAndDesist provides self-help templates and is not a law firm. This page is information, not legal advice.
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