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Legal Information: Arkansas

Restraining Orders

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Updated: 
January 3, 2024

What if I don't register my protection order?  Will it be more difficult to have it enforced?

It should not be more difficult to have your order enforced even if it is not registered.  Arkansas requires that law enforcement officials enforce out-of-state protection orders as if they were issued in Arkansas whether or not the order has been registered.1  As long as you can give the law enforcement official a copy of the order and tell him/her that you truthfully think it is still in effect, your order should be enforced.2

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 Arkansas.  To see a list of local domestic violence organizations in Arkansas go to our AR Advocates and Shelters page.

1 Ark. Code § 9-15-302(e)(3)
2 Ark. Code § 9-15-302(a) & (e)(1)