Restraining Orders

An out-of-state order can be enforced in Missouri as long as:

• it was issued to prevent violent or threatening acts, harassing behavior, or sexual violence, or it was issued to prevent another person from coming near you or contacting you;¹
• the judge that issued the order had power (jurisdiction) over the people and case; in other words, the judge had the authority to hear the case; and
• the abuser received notice of the order and had an opportunity to go to court to tell his/her side of the story.
  • In the case of ex parte temporary and emergency orders, the abuser must receive notice and have an opportunity to go to court to tell his/her side of the story at a hearing that is scheduled before the temporary order expires.²

Note: An out-of-state order is also called a “foreign” order. 

Note: For information on enforcing a military protective order (MPO) off the military installation, or enforcing a civil protection order (CPO) on a military installation, please see our Military Protective Orders page.

¹ 18 U.S.C. § 2266(5)
² 18 U.S.C. § 2265(a), (b); see also MO ST § 455.067(1)