Restraining Orders

The court that gave you your protective order needs to have an up-to-date address for you at all times. That’s because they will communicate with you only by mail if anything happens to your protective order – for example, if your abuser asks the court to dismiss the order or if your order is changed in any way. If you will not be receiving mail at your old address, you must provide the court with a new address where you can receive mail.

If you provide your new address to the court, it will be kept in a confidential part of your file and the public will not have access to it. However, your new address could possibly be released to court officials in your new state or law enforcement officials. If you feel unsafe giving your new address, you may be able to use the address of a friend you trust or a P.O. box instead.