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Legal Information: Rhode Island

Restraining Orders

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Updated: 
November 30, 2023

How do I change or extend my order?

If you want to modify (change) your order, you would go back to the court where you got the order and file a modification petition with the clerk. You will have to repeat the hearing process and explain to the judge why the order should be changed in the way you are requesting.

To extend (renew) your order, you would go back to the court where you got the order and file a renewal petition with the clerk. You must request this renewal before your order expires.1 A judge may extend your order by granting a renewal for the length of time that the judge believes is necessary to protect you from abuse.2 You may have your order renewed more than once.

1 RI Gen Laws § 8-8.1-7
2 RI Gen Laws §§ 8-8.1-3(n); 15-15-3(m)(2)