How long does a restraining order last?

Whether you file your request for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) with the police, the municipal court, or a Family Law Superior Court Judge, the restraining order will be for a limited period of time.  This is because your alleged abuser hasn’t had an opportunity to respond and give his or her version of the events.  The judge hearing your TRO is trying to determine if the TRO is necessary to protect your life, health or well-being. This temporary order will last until your full court hearing for the final restraining order (FRO) where the abuser has an opportunity to testify and present evidence.  The FRO is typically scheduled within 10 days after a TRO is issued.

At the FRO, after both of you have an opportunity to testify and present any evidence or witness, the Family Superior Court Judge will decide if an FRO is appropriate.  Unless the Judge places an expiration in the order (rare) an FRO can last forever.  In New Jersey a FRO doesn’t expire.  One of the parties must file a motion in court requesting a judge to end or change the order and the Judge must agree. 

If you face an Domestic Violence issue we have some valuable resources for you:

1. Do You Qualify for Legal Status?  If you aren’t legal in the U.S. you owe it to yourself to find out if you can get legal status.  Select the link, answer the questions, and find out for FREE.  
2. Do You Need an Immigration Attorney? You Might Not – I will explain when you need an immigration attorney.  Not every needs one.  I will also explain the benefits of hiring one in any immigration challenge. 
3. 7 Critical Questions to ask Before Hiring an Immigration Attorney – If you have decided that you need an immigration attorney, how do you make sure you hire a good one?  I explain to you the questions you need to ask before you hire your immigration attorney.
4. An Immigrant’s Guide to Municipal Court – Here I discuss what happens if you get arrested by Immigration Customs Enforcement, what you need to know to get out of custody, and what to expect if you are placed in removal hearings.  I also explain the municipal court process and how a municipal court matter can result in your being placed into removal proceedings.

If you have questions, we have answers. 

You can:

1. Call our knowledgeable staff at 888-695-6169;
2. Fill out our contact us form on this page; or
3. Select our live chat feature to speak to someone right away.

We help victims of domestic violence, one trial at a time.