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EspañolCan I get my order of protection from the CNMI enforced in another state or territory?
If you have a valid order of protection that meets federal standards, it can be enforced in another state or territory. The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which is a federal law, says that all valid protection orders granted in the United States receive “full faith and credit” in all state and tribal courts within the U.S., including U.S. territories. In other words, each state and territory must enforce protection orders from other places in the same way it enforces its own orders. If an abuser violates your order of protection, s/he will be punished according to the laws of whatever state or territory you are in when the order is violated.
You may want to call the National Center on Protection Orders and Full Faith & Credit (1-800-903-0111 x 2) for more information on enforcing your order in another state or territory.
How do I know if my order of protection is good under federal law?
An order of protection is good anywhere in the United States or its territories 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 gave 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: 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)
I have a temporary order of protection. Can it be enforced in another state or territory?
An ex parte temporary order (TRO) can be enforced in other parts of the United States as long as it meets the requirements listed in How do I know if my order of protection is good under federal law?1
Note: The place where you are going generally cannot renew your TRO or issue you a permanent order when the ex parte temporary one expires. If you need to renew your TRO, you will have to contact the state or territory that issued it 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 state or territory that you are moving to if you meet the requirements for getting a protective order there. Keep in mind that if you apply in your new location, the abuser would know what state or territory you are living in, which may put you in danger.
1 18 U.S.C. § 2265(b)(2)
