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Legal Information: North Carolina

Restraining Orders

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Laws current as of December 22, 2023

I was granted temporary custody with my DVPO. Can I take my kids out of the state?

Whether you can take your kids out of state may depend on the exact wording of the custody provision in your DVPO. You may have to first seek the permission of the court before leaving.  If the abuser was granted visitation rights with your children, then you may have to have the order changed, or show the court that there is a fair and realistic alternative to the current visitation schedule.

To read more about custody laws in North Carolina, go to our Custody page.

If you are unsure about whether or not you can take your kids out of the state, it is important to talk to a lawyer who understands domestic violence and custody laws, and can help you make the safest decision for you and your children.  You can find contact information for local domestic violence organizations and legal assistance in the NC area on our NC Places that Help page.