Restraining Orders

A TRO can be enforced in other states as long as it meets the requirements listed in How do I know if my protective order is good under federal law?¹

However, the state where you’re going generally cannot:

• extend your ex parte TRO; or
• issue you a permanent order when the temporary one expires.

If you need to extend your temporary order, you will have to contact the courthouse where it was issued and arrange to be at the hearing. You may need to appear in person or, if the judge allows it, by telephone or video call.

However, you may be able to apply for a new order in the new state that you’re moving to if you meet the requirements for getting a protective order there. Keep in mind that if you apply in your new state, the abuser would find out what state you’re living in, and that may put you in danger.

¹ 18 U.S.C. § 2265(b)(2)