restraining order

Hi everyone,

I haven't been on the boards in a bit as in the last month I was finally putting the situation behind me, starting to go out again, socialize, get back to work and eating, still feeling sad sometimes but generally doing better.

Until yesterday, when my ex-N's brother showed up at my door to serve me with papers for a restraining order hearing against me!

I haven't contacted my ex in a month. The last time I showed up tearful at his door asking for an explanation for his behavior he called the police. And so I have stayed away and tried to put my life back together. According to the papers, he tried to file for a temporary restraining order, which was denied due to lack of evidence, but he has persisted and is now looking to get a permanent restraining order.

Needless to say, I am terrified. I have never threatened him or been violent or anything. In fact, he was the one who threatened to physically abuse me. The only thing I can think that triggered him is that I went to a concert where I spotted his brother and his brother's girlfriend but I stayed away with my friends and avoided contact with them.

But the lengths he has gone to to pursue this order etc. are really causing me stress. I have no idea what he will come up with, how he will convolute, manipulate, lie in court. I guess I should get a lawyer which is unfortunate as I am not in a financial position to really afford this and would really prefer to defend myself as I don't really see how his request will be granted but I am also very scared that he will fabricate something and I don't know how to prepare for this at all. All I want is to be left alone and just live my life but this came out of nowhere and has really set me back, and I am so scared about what wil happen.

Has anyone dealt with this, any advice is greatly appreciate.