What is the minimum age to obtain a Domestic Violence Protective Order without parental consent in North Carolina?

The minimum age to obtain a Domestic Violence Protective Order without parental consent in North Carolina is 18 years old. This age requirement is in place to ensure that individuals seeking protective orders have reached the age of majority, where they are legally recognized as adults capable of understanding the implications of their requests. Essentially, turning 18 grants the individual the legal standing to make informed decisions regarding their safety and legal matters without needing to involve a parent or guardian. This requirement reflects the balance between protecting minors and recognizing their developmental readiness to navigate such serious legal actions independently.