Restraining Orders

A protective order is good anywhere in the United States as long as:

• It was issued to prevent violent or threatening acts, harassing behavior, sexual violence, or it was issued to prevent another person from coming near you or contacting you;¹
• The judge that gave the order had power (jurisdiction) over the people and case - in other words, the judge had the authority to hear the case; and
• The abuser received notice of the order and had an opportunity to go to court to tell his/her side of the story.
  • In the case of ex parte temporary and emergency orders, the abuser must receive notice and have an opportunity to go to court to tell his/her side of the story at a hearing that is scheduled before the temporary order expires.²

Kentucky has tried to make it easier for out-of-state courts to determine when its orders are entitled to full faith and credit by clearly stating the required information on its protective orders.³

Note: For information on enforcing a military protective order (MPO) off the military installation, or enforcing a civil protective order (DVO or IPO) on a military installation, please see our Military Protective Orders page.

¹ 18 U.S.C. § 2266(5)
² 18 U.S.C. § 2265(a), (b)
³ Ky. Rev. Stat. §§ 403.7524; 456.130; see also order of protection form