One effective legal instrument for shielding people from abuse, harassment, or violent threats is a protection order. Protective orders are frequently granted in Virginia in situations involving stalking, domestic abuse, or other dangerous conduct. But things can change, and sometimes the individual who requested the protective order decides they don’t need it anymore. In Virginia, there are precise legal procedures that must be followed in order to drop a protective order.

The forms of protection orders in Virginia, the procedure for rescinding them, and the factors that both the petitioner and the respondent should take into account are all covered in this article.

1. Comprehending Virginia Protective Orders

It’s important to comprehend the many kinds of protective orders that can be granted in Virginia before talking about how to terminate one. Three primary categories exist:

Emergency Protective Order (EPO): In cases of imminent danger, an EPO is a temporary order. It is good until the next court date or for a maximum of 72 hours. how to drop a protective order in virginia

Permanent Protective Order: A permanent protective order may be granted if the judge finds that the petitioner still need protection following a hearing.

These protective measures, which include stay-away clauses, no-contact restrictions, and orders to surrender firearms, each offer the petitioner particular protections. But the petitioner might ask to have the protection order revoked if they believe that these measures are no longer required.

2. Justifications for Dropping a Protective Order

The following are some of the reasons why someone would want to revoke a protective order:

Reconciliation: It’s possible that after their reconciliation, the petitioner and respondent no longer feel that the protective order is required.

Conflict Resolution: The petitioner may feel secure without the need for ongoing protection in certain situations when the problems that prompted the protective order’s application have been settled.

Change in Circumstances: The respondent may have moved out of state or stopped being a threat to the petitioner, among other major changes in the scenario.

Dropping a protective order, for whatever reason, is a decision that should be carefully considered, taking into account both personal safety and potential legal repercussions.

3. how to drop a protective order in virginia

In Virginia, there are multiple procedures involved in the process of removing a protection order. To guarantee that the order is formally terminated, it is crucial to adhere to the appropriate legal processes.

Step 1: Submit a Dismissal Motion

A move to dismiss must be submitted by the petitioner to the court that issued the protective order. The purpose of this motion is to formally ask the court to end the protection order. Included in the motion should be the respondent’s name, the case number, and a succinct justification for the petitioner’s belief that the protective order is no longer required.

Step 2: Hearing in Court


The court will probably set up a hearing following the filing of the move to dismiss. The petitioner will be asked to explain their reasons for wanting to revoke the protection order by the judge at this hearing. Although it is not necessary unless directed by the court, the respondent may also attend the hearing. The court will base his decision on the facts and evidence offered after all parties have had a chance to express their opinions. 

how to drop a protective order in virginia

The petitioner may decide to alter their mind and request that the court uphold the order if they feel threatened. Judges are concerned about safety and will probe to make sure the petitioner isn’t being forced to revoke the order.

Step 3: The Judge’s Choice

The decision to reject the protection order rests with the court. The court may issue an order dismissing the protection order, so ending it, if they think it is safe and appropriate to do so. However, even if the petitioner asks for the protective order to be revoked, the court may choose to maintain it if they are worried about the petitioner’s safety.

The protective order will be promptly dissolved and any limitations imposed on the respondent will be removed if the judge decides to dismiss it.

4. Things to Take Into Account Before Issuing a Protective Order

Removing a protection order might seem simple, but there are several things to think about:

Safety: The petitioner’s safety is the main justification for a protection order. The petitioner should carefully examine whether they feel completely safe and secure without the legal protection in place before deciding to abandon it.

Coercion or Pressure: It is crucial to let the court know during the hearing whether the petitioner is being forced to revoke the order by the respondent or other parties. If a judge feels that a protective order is being revoked under pressure, they will not reject it.

5. Legal Support for the Termination of a Protective Order

It can be difficult to navigate the process of removing a protective order, so both the petitioner and the defendant are often better off getting legal counsel. In addition to ensuring that the proper legal procedures are followed, a family law attorney can offer advice on whether it is safe and reasonable to dismiss the protective order.

In conclusion

In Virginia, dropping a protective order is a formal legal procedure that necessitates submitting a motion to the court and showing up for a hearing. The judge’s top priority will always be safety, even though the petitioner has the right to ask that the order be dissolved. Before taking any action to revoke a protective order, all parties should thoroughly evaluate the situation and any possible repercussions.

Speaking with a lawyer can assist guarantee that your rights are upheld and that the proper court procedure is followed if you are thinking about removing a protective order.

how to drop a protective order in virginia