Restraining Orders

In some states, you will need a certified copy of your protective order. A certified copy says that it is a “true and correct” copy; it is signed and initialed by the clerk of court that gave you the order, and usually has some kind of court stamp on it. In Virginia, if you are given a certified copy at the time your protective order is issued, the order will have the judge’s original signature on it. However, if you need to get another certified copy for any reason, or if you were not given one originally, you can call or go to the courthouse that issued your order. The clerk’s office will be able to help you get a certified copy of your order, which will have a stamp on it from the court clerk’s office. There is no fee to get a certified copy of your order.

Note: It is generally a good idea to keep a copy of the order with you at all times. You may also want to leave copies of the order at your work place, at your home, at the children’s school or daycare, in your car, with a sympathetic neighbor, and so on. You may want to give a copy to the security guard or person at the front desk where you live and/or work along with a photo of the abuser. You may also want to give a copy of the order to anyone who is named in and protected by the order.