What To Do If You Are the Wife and Your Husband Is Served With a Civil Protection Order in Colorado Springs or Pueblo When He Is in the U.S. Army or Air Force
By Matthew C. Clawson | Divorce Attorney
When your husband is active duty in the United States Army or Air Force and is suddenly served with a Civil Protection Order in Colorado Springs or Pueblo, the impact reaches far beyond him alone. These cases involve more than the court system. They affect your family home, your finances, your children, your access to military services, and in many cases, your husband’s entire military career. The emotions can range from fear and confusion to frustration and uncertainty. Whether you requested the protection order or not, you need to understand what happens next and what steps to take to protect your children, your stability, and your future.
The first thing to understand is that a Temporary Civil Protection Order issued by a Colorado judge is fully enforceable on and off base. Your husband is required to comply immediately. This means no contact, no communication, and no return to the home if the order requires him to stay away. Even if you want to communicate with him or see him, the order takes priority, and any contact can result in his arrest. These orders are not suggestions. They are legally binding restrictions that must be followed completely.
In nearly all military cases, your husband’s chain of command will be notified shortly after service. The command may issue its own Military Protective Order, often called an MPO, which applies on military installations and imposes additional restrictions. The MPO may separate him from your home, prevent him from visiting base housing, require him to report regularly to his commander, or limit his movements on base. It is important to know that the military cannot cancel or override the civilian order. Your husband must follow both orders at the same time, and any violations can trigger both civilian charges and disciplinary action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
If you are the protected party who requested the protection order, the system will focus primarily on your safety and the safety of your children. You should keep a copy of the order with you at all times, notify your children’s school, and be aware of any attempts by your husband to contact you. If you live in base housing, security forces and command should be made aware of the order to prevent any accidental encounters.
If you did not request the protection order and did not want it issued, your position becomes more complicated. Many wives find themselves in a situation where police made a mandatory domestic violence arrest, a neighbor made a complaint, or a misunderstanding escalated into court involvement. In these cases, even if you want communication or contact with your husband, you cannot give him permission to violate the order. Only the judge can modify or remove the protection order. Your personal preference is not enough to create legal contact, and any attempt by your husband to communicate with you can result in his arrest.
Housing arrangements often change immediately when a service member is served with a protection order. If the order prevents him from returning home, you may remain in base housing while your husband is temporarily relocated to the barracks or to temporary lodging. You may suddenly be responsible for childcare, transportation, and household duties without assistance. Even if he is no longer allowed to enter the home, he may still be financially responsible for supporting the household. You may have the right to continued Basic Allowance for Housing as the dependent residing in the primary residence.
Parenting time is also affected immediately. If your children are listed on the protection order, your husband may not be allowed to communicate with them, see them, or participate in exchanges until the court decides otherwise. This may cause emotional strain for the children and for you. You may need guidance on how to keep the children stable while also complying with the court order.
The protection order hearing is one of the most important parts of this process. As the wife, you may be involved in the hearing in different ways depending on your role. If you filed the protection order, you must appear and be prepared to testify. The judge will review your evidence, listen to your description of the events, and determine whether the order should become permanent. If you did not file the order, you may still be allowed to testify or provide information to your husband’s attorney. Whether your testimony helps or harms the case must be evaluated carefully by legal counsel.
It is very important that you not discuss the situation directly with your husband unless the protection order allows communication. Even well-intentioned conversations can place him at risk of arrest. Communications through third parties can also be considered violations. Your attorney or his attorney must help determine how and when communication can occur.
Your husband’s military career may be significantly affected by the protection order. He may lose access to his service weapon, which can jeopardize any position requiring firearms or security duties. His command may temporarily suspend him from certain assignments, limit his access to sensitive areas, or even place him on administrative duty. A permanent protection order can trigger a security clearance review. In serious cases, the military may initiate administrative separation, which can affect your long-term financial stability, retirement benefits, medical benefits under TRICARE, and future housing rights.
You may also need to work with both civilian and military legal systems. Your husband will consult with Judge Advocate General attorneys, and you may also seek guidance from JAG if you are the protected party. However, JAG cannot represent either of you in civilian court. You will likely need civilian legal representation if divorce, custody, or financial disputes become involved.
Documentation is one of the most important things you can do for your own protection and clarity. Keep records of all communication attempts, financial disruptions, changes in your children’s routines, or concerns related to safety or stability. If you are the protected party, these records may be needed for the hearing. If you are not the protected party, documentation helps your attorney evaluate whether your involvement may help modify or remove the order.
The outcome of the hearing will determine what happens for the long term. If the order is dismissed, your husband may return home, and communication may resume. Any military consequences may begin to resolve. If the order becomes permanent, your husband will be restricted from contact indefinitely, and the family may need to create a new plan for communication, parenting, and finances. You may need family law representation to address custody, child support, spousal support, and long-term living arrangements.
When you are the wife of an active duty service member, and your husband is served with a Civil Protection Order in Colorado Springs or Pueblo, the situation affects your entire life. You must balance court restrictions, military regulations, family needs, and your own well-being. Whether you are seeking safety, clarity, stability, or reunification, informed legal guidance is essential. Our office provides confidential legal support tailored to military families and understands the unique pressures created by civilian protection orders and military regulations. Contact us today for help navigating this complex and stressful situation.
For more information about or to schedule a divorce case review throughout Colorado, contact Matthew C. Clawson.
We will answer your questions, evaluate your case, and advise you on the best course of action based on your individual needs and priorities.
We can be reached at www.clawsonattorney.com, and Matthew can be contacted directly at Matthew@clawson.law. For more information about our top-rated legal services, fill out our online form or call 719-634-1848 or 303-805-9353 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Legal Disclaimer- This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content or contacting the attorney does not create an attorney-client relationship. Legal decisions and outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case. Colorado laws may change, and you should consult a licensed attorney for advice tailored to your circumstances. No guarantee is made regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided.