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DVRORenewal

My restraining order expires in 6 months — do I have to renew it?

CAstarting_over_20261 month ago

5-year DVRO expires in 6 months. He's been compliant. Do I renew or let it lapse?

1 reply

✓ Verified answer from a licensed attorney — shown first

Carmen Reyes avatarCarmen ReyesVerified Attorney1 month ago

You don't have to prove new abuse to renew — under Ritchie v. Konrad, the standard is whether you have a reasonable apprehension of future abuse. You can renew permanently or for additional years. File DV-700 (Request to Renew) at least 30 days before expiration, ideally 90 days. Many people lose their renewal window by filing too late. If he's been fully compliant for years and you genuinely don't fear him anymore, letting it lapse is reasonable — but understand that re-applying later is harder than renewing now. The decision is personal; both choices are valid.

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Please readThis is a community space for sharing personal experience — it is not legal advice, and posts here are not from Lawma or your attorney. We strongly encourage you to post under an anonymous handle, keep questions general, and avoid posting private details of your active case. For advice about your own situation, message your attorney.