What happens to my restraining order if I move?
Your restraining order is still valid if you move within Rhode Island or to another U.S. state or territory. If the abuser violates the order in another state, the police or courts there can enforce it.
Here are some steps you may want to take before you move:
- Update your address: Call the court clerk to update your address in the court file. This way, the court can contact you if the abuser files for a change to the order or if the court needs to reach you.
- Keep your address private: If the abuser doesn’t know your new address, ask the clerk how to keep it confidential.
Note: If you are moving to a military installation, see our Military Protective Orders page to learn about enforcing your civil protection order on base. Go to Are MPOs and civil protective orders (CPOs) valid wherever I go?