Restraining Orders

Since neither federal nor Mississippi state law requires you to register your protective order, it should not be more difficult to have your order enforced even if you do not register it. Additionally, Mississippi state law requires law enforcement officials to enforce an out-of-state protective order even if it has not been registered in Mississippi as long as you can show the officer a copy of the order that appears to be valid.¹

If you are unsure about whether registering your order is the right decision for you, you may want to contact a local domestic violence organization in your area. An advocate there can help you decide what the safest plan of action is for you in Mississippi. To see a list of local domestic violence organizations, go to our MS Advocates and Shelters page.

¹ MS Code §§ 93-21-16(1); 93-22-7(1), (4)