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EspañolCan I register my protection order if I do not have a certified copy?
It is possible to register your order without a certified copy, but it’s a more complicated process.
Here are the steps for registering an uncertified order:
- Bring the uncertified copy to a courthouse in Kentucky.
- Your order will be filed, and will be considered valid for 14 days, which means it can be enforced during that time.
- The Kentucky clerk will contact the courthouse that issued your order and ask them to send a certified copy.1
Once Kentucky receives the certified copy of your order, it will be entered into the Law Information Network of Kentucky (LINK) system. LINK is a statewide database of protection orders in Kentucky that all law enforcement officers have access to. The clerk should let you know when your order has been registered. If you don’t hear anything from the clerk after a few weeks, you may want to check to make sure that the court received a certified copy of your order.
If your order does expire, you may be able file for a Kentucky protective order if you qualify. A local domestic violence organization may be able to help with this process. You can find contact information for local organizations on our Kentucky Advocates and Shelters page.
1 Ky. Rev. Stat. §§ 403.7527(3); 456.140(3)
