Restraining Orders

An ex parte emergency order can be enforced in other states as long as it meets the requirements listed in How do I know if my protection order is good under federal law?¹

However, the state where you are going generally cannot:

• extend your ex parte emergency order; or
• issue you a final order when the emergency one expires.

If you need to extend your emergency order, you will have to contact the court that issued the order and arrange to be at the hearing. You may need to appear in person or, if the judge allows it, by telephone or video call.

However, you may be able to apply for a new order in the new state that you are moving to if you meet the requirements for getting a protection order there. Keep in mind that if you apply in your new state, the abuser would find out what state you’re living in, and that may put you in danger.

¹ 18 U.S.C. § 2265(b)(2)