Important notes regarding restraining orders

(RO = Restraining Order)

The RO is not enforceable until the respondent/abuser is served with it.

As the petitioner, you can not violate your RO, nor can you invalidate the RO by inviting or allowing the respondent/abuser onto the property.

The RO expires automatically one year from the date it is signed unless you renew it.

The police are required to arrest an abuser if he or she assaults you or violates an RO.

A custody award under an RO is temporary and only valid as long as the RO is valid.

The respondent can contest the RO. The court will schedule a hearing if the RO is contested. It is important that you appear at that hearing; if you do not and the respondent does, it is very likely that the RO and other orders will be dismissed.