WomensLaw serves and supports all survivors, no matter their sex or gender.

Legal Information: West Virginia

Restraining Orders

View all
Updated: 
April 1, 2024

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

While neither federal law nor state law requires that you register your protective order in order to get it enforced, if your order is not entered into the state registry, it may be more difficult for a West Virginia law enforcement official to determine whether your order is real. Meaning, 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 West Virginia.  To see a list of local domestic violence organizations in West Virginia, go to our WV Advocates and Shelters page.

Legal Information

© 2008–2024 WomensLaw.org is a project of the National Network to End Domestic Violence, Inc. All rights reserved. This website is funded in part through a grant from the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). NNEDV is a 501©(3) non-profit organization; EIN 52-1973408.