I have a preliminary (temporary) order against the abuser. Do I have to wait until I receive a permanent order before the abuser's gun is taken away?
Maybe. If the judge gave you an ex parte temporary restraining order (which means that no advance notice was given to the abuser), which is commonly done, it could still be LEGAL for him/her to have a gun under federal law. However, if the judge scheduled a court hearing and gave notice of the hearing to the abuser before giving you the temporary protection order, it is possible that it is ILLEGAL for him/her to have a gun under federal law. The restraining order must also meet certain other requirements, though. Read I have a protection order against the abuser. Can s/he keep a gun or buy a new gun? to find out more.