Restraining Orders

Generally, only the state or territory that issued your protection order can change, extend, or cancel it. You will likely have to file a motion or petition in the court where the order was issued. You may be able to ask to attend the court hearing by telephone or video rather than in person so that you do not need to return to the place where the abuser lives. You could find out if this is possible by calling the clerk of the court that issued your order. To learn more about changing your order, see the Restraining Orders page for the state where your order was issued. To get the contact information for the court that issued your order, go to our Courthouse Locations page and choose the state from the drop-down menu.

If your order expires while you are living in the CNMI, you may be able to get a new order of protection in the CNMI. However, this may be difficult to do if no new incidents of abuse have occurred in the CNMI.