Yes – restraining orders in Connecticut can be extended. In order to do so, the Applicant (the person in need of protection) must file a Motion to Extend before the restraining order expires. But once it lapses, you have to start from scratch and there’s no protection in the interim.
So – do not wait until the last minute to extend the order. The best practice is to file a motion 30 days before the expiration of the old order. This will take into account the time necessary for the Clerk’s Office to assign a date for the extension hearing and allows sufficient time for the Respondent (alleged perpetrator) to be properly served.
Even though a restraining order was previously granted, it is no “slam dunk” that it will be extended. The same procedure used at the initial hearing will be followed. Therefore, a judge must still find that based on the history of violence, threats and other evidence that there is “immediate and present physical danger.”
Formerly, restraining orders would be issued for 6 months. Now a judge may issue a restraining order for up to a year.
I represent clientss throughout Fairfield County including Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Trumbull, Stratford, Bridgeport, Westport, Weston, New Canaan, Wilton, Norwalk, Darien, Stamford and Greenwich.
Contact me online or call my Fairfield office at (203) 259-5251 or my Stamford office at (203) 356-1475 if you have questions about Connecticut Restraining Orders.