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Legal Information: Virginia

Restraining Orders

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Laws current as of July 8, 2024

What happens to my order if I move? Is it still valid?

Your order is valid and enforceable wherever you go throughout Virginia.

Additionally, the federal law provides what is called “full faith and credit,” which means that once you have a criminal or civil protection order, it follows you wherever you go, including U.S. territories and tribal lands.  Different states have different rules for enforcing out-of-state protection orders.  

If you are moving out of state, please check the Restraining Orders pages for that state on this website for information on how to have your order enforced there.

Please see our Moving to Another State with a Protective Order section for more information about moving out of Virginia with your protective order.

Note: For information on enforcing a military protective order (MPO) off the military installation, or enforcing a civil protection order (CPO) on a military installation, please see our Military Protective Orders page.

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