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Legal Information: Massachusetts

Restraining Orders

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Laws current as of November 14, 2024

How do I get my abuse prevention order enforced in another state?

Federal law does not require you to take any special steps to get your abuse prevention order enforced in another state.

Many states do have laws or rules (regulations) about registering or filing of out-of-state orders, which can make enforcement easier, but a valid abuse prevention order is enforceable regardless of whether it has been registered or filed in the new state.1 Rules differ from state to state, so it may be helpful to find out what the rules are in your new state. You can contact a local domestic violence organization for more information by visiting our Advocates and Shelters page and entering your new state in the drop-down menu.

Note: It is important to keep a copy of your abuse prevention order with you at all times.

1 18 U.S.C. § 2265(d)(2)

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