Restraining Orders

In some states and territories, you will need a certified copy of your order of protection. A certified copy says that it is a “true and correct” copy. It is signed and initialed by the clerk of court and usually has some kind of court stamp on it. 

The copy you originally got may or may not have been a certified copy. If you do not have a certified copy, call or go to the court that gave you the order. Ask the clerk’s office for a certified copy. In the CNMI, the court will certify a copy and provide it to you without charging you a fee.¹

Note: It is a good idea to always have a copy of the order of protection with you. Bring several copies with you when you move. Leave copies at your workplace, at your home, at your children’s school or daycare, in your car, with a trusted neighbor, and so on. Give a copy to the security guard or front desk person if there is one where you live or work. Give a copy of the order of protection to anyone who is named in and protected by the order.

¹ 8 CMC § 1924(c)(2)