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Legal Information: Washington

Restraining Orders

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Updated: 
December 15, 2023

I have an ex parte temporary order. Can it be enforced in another state?

An ex parte temporary order can be enforced in other states as long as it meets the requirements listed in How do I know if my domestic violence protection order is good under federal law?1

Note: The state where you are going generally cannot extend your ex parte temporary order or issue you a permanent order when the temporary one expires. If you need to extend your temporary order, you will have to contact the state that issued the order and arrange to be at the hearing in person or attend by telephone, video, or other electronic means. You may be able to reapply for an order in the new state that you are moving to if you meet the requirements for getting a protective order in that state. However, if you apply for an order in a new state, the abuser would know the state you are living in, which may put you in danger. To read the requirements for getting a restraining order in the new state, go to our Restraining Orders page and select the state from the drop-down menu.

1 18 U.S.C. § 2265(b)(2)