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Legal Information: New York

Restraining Orders

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Updated: 
July 7, 2023

What if I don't register my protection order? Will it be more difficult to have it enforced?

While neither federal law nor state law requires that you register your protection order in order to get it enforced1, if your order is not entered into the state registry, it may be more difficult for a NY law enforcement official to determine whether your order is real, which means that it could take longer to get your order enforced.

If you are unsure about whether registering your order is the right decision for you, you may want to contact a local domestic violence organization in your area. An advocate there can help you decide what the safest plan of action is for you in New York. To see a list of local domestic violence organizations in NY, go to our NY Advocates and Shelters page.

1 NY Fam Ct Act 154-e(2)

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