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EspañolI was granted temporary custody with my order for protection. Will another state enforce this custody order?
Custody, visitation, and child support provisions that are included in an order for protection can be enforced across state lines. Law enforcement and courts in another state are required by federal law to enforce these provisions.1
1 18 U.S.C. § 2266
I was granted temporary custody with my order for protection. Can I take my kids out of the state?
Whether or not you can take your kids out of state may depend on the exact wording of the custody provision in your order for protection. You may have to first seek the permission from a judge before leaving. If the abuser was granted visitation/custody rights with your children, then you may have to have the order changed, or show the court that there is a fair and realistic alternative to the current visitation schedule.
If you are unsure about whether or not you can take your kids out of the state, it is important to talk to a lawyer who understands domestic violence and custody laws, and can help you make the safest decision for you and your children. You can find contact information for local domestic violence organizations and legal assistance in at our Places that Help page.
