Domestic violence restraining orders issued after a hearing can typically last anywhere from six months to five years. However, a domestic violence restraining order can be modified or terminated when both sides agree, or the court grants a request to terminate or modify the order. The burden of proving that a protective order should be modified or terminated is high. When deciding whether to modify or terminate a restraining order, the court will consider any change in circumstances, any further abuse that has occurred, whether there is reasonable apprehension of future abuse, and more.
Therefore, hiring an experienced restraining order attorney who is familiar with the level of evidence required to modify or dismiss a restraining order will be extremely helpful.
