What must happen for an order of protection to be deemed valid?

For an order of protection to be deemed valid, it must be personally served to the defendant. This step is crucial because it ensures that the defendant is formally notified of the order and its stipulations. Personal service confirms that the individual has received the legal document directly, which is necessary for the order to be enforceable. Without proper service, the defendant may not be aware of the restrictions imposed by the order, rendering it ineffective in protecting the petitioner.

While having a judge sign the order is important and filing with the police can aid enforcement, these steps alone do not guarantee that the order has been communicated to the defendant. Notarization is not typically a requirement for the validity of an order of protection in most jurisdictions, including Arizona. Thus, personal service is the critical step that establishes the order's validity and enforceability.