English
EspañolHow do I get my protection order enforced in another state?
You do not have to take any special steps to get your protection order enforced in another state. Many states have a process to register or file an out-of-state order to make it easier to enforce if the abuser breaks the order. However, you can still get a valid protection order enforced in another state even if you do not register or file it.1 For your safety, always keep a copy of your protection order with you.
It can help to know the rules in any state where you will live or visit. For example, in some states, you may need a certified copy of your out-of-state protection order. Knowing the rules in your new state may help you get the police or courts to enforce your order quickly.
A domestic violence organization can tell you how this works in your area. To find one, visit our Advocates and Shelters page and choose your new state in the drop-down menu.
1 18 U.S.C. § 2265(d)(2)
Do I need a special copy of my protection order to it enforced?
In some states, you will need a certified copy of your protection order. A certified copy says that it is a “true and correct” copy; it is signed and initialed by the clerk of court that gave you the order, and usually has some kind of court stamp on it.
When the judge issues you an ex parte or final protection order, the clerk of the court will give you two certified copies of the order for free.1
Note: It is a good idea to keep a copy of the order with you at all times. You will also want to bring several copies of the order with you when you move. Leave copies of the order at your work place, at your home, at the children’s school or daycare, in your car, with a sympathetic neighbor, and so on. Give a copy to the security guard or person at the front desk where you live and/or work. Give a copy of the order to anyone who is named in and protected by the order.
1 NE R.S. § 42-926(1)
Can I get someone to help me? Do I need a lawyer?
You do not need a lawyer to get your protection order enforced in another state. However, you may want to get help from a local domestic violence advocate or attorney in the state that you move to.
A domestic violence advocate can tell you what the advantages and disadvantages are for registering your protection order. S/he may also be able to help you through the process if you decide to register it. To find a domestic violence advocate or lawyer in the state to which you are moving, go to the Places that Help page and select that state from the drop-down menu.
Si me mudo, ¿lo tengo que informar a la corte de Nebraska?
Es importante que la corte tenga su dirección correcta para que se puedan comunicar con usted si la persona agresora le pide a la corte que desestime la orden o hace una petición para cambiarla (modificarla) de cualquier manera. Si la persona agresora no sabe su nueva dirección, puede pedirle a el/la secretario/a de la corte que se asegure de mantener la dirección confidencial. Esta debe mantenerse en una parte confidencial de su expediente a la que el público no tenga acceso. Sin embargo, su nueva dirección podría ser revelada a oficiales de la corte en su nuevo estado u oficiales de la policía de Nebraska o de su nuevo estado. Si darle su dirección a la corte le hace sentirse nervioso/a, puede solicitar participar del Programa de confidencialidad de direcciones de Nebraska, que permitiría que su correo pueda ser reenviado a su nueva dirección a través de el/la Secretario/a de Estado.1
1 NE ST § 42-1204(1)
