Nicole Richie Will Appear In Court Against Photog

Nicole Richie may take the stand Wednesday during a hearing in which she hopes a judge will slap a permanent restraining order against a photographer whom she feels is getting too close to her young daughter, Radar Online has exclusively learmned.

Nicole is seeking to extend a temporary restraining order -- or TRO -- against the photographer whom she claims is lurking around her daughter Harlow's nursery school. Richie will be in court with her powerhouse attorneys Tamar Arminak and Mark Geragos.

A source close to the situation tells us: "Nicole's attorneys will put on the stand several preschool teachers from Harlow's school that have witnessed this photographer crossing the line trying to get pictures. Nicole is fiercly protective of her children, and won't tolerate this. Nicole could testify also."

Nicole "is very busy planning her wedding to Joel, but she will drop everything to protect their children," the source said.

Under California law, a temporary restraining order lasts for three weeks, but if the TRO is made permanent, it will extend the order to up to three years.

The hearing will take place Wednesday morning at the civil court in downtown Los Angeles.

Credit: Radar Online

Nicole Richie Gets Restraining Order for Harlow

Nicole Richie just got a restraining order against a photographer who she claims has been stalking her child at her preschool ... TMZ has learned.

A photo -- taken by Nicole -- was attached to legal papers filed in support of the restraining order, showing Fabricio Luis Mariotto lurking at Harlow's preschool.

Nicole says in her petition for the restraining order, "[Mariotto] drives erratically around my children and others, yells, screams and attempts to scare us so that he can photograph our reaction. He trespasses on preschool property to photograph the children."

Nicole adds, "He has often left his car in the middle of a busy street just to chase me for a photograph."

Nicole, who did not show up in court but was represented by Tamar Arminak from Mark Geragos' law firm, adds, "His predatory behavior caused and continues to cause severe emotional distress as I fear for the safety of my children."

The temporary restraining order requires Mariotto to stay 100 yards away from Nicole, Harlow, Sparrow and Joel Madden, as well as the preschool.

Credit: TMZ