My Ex is Violating a Protective Order. What Should I Do?

If you have a protective order in place and your ex is violating it, the situation can feel overwhelming very quickly. Many people assume the order alone will stop the behavior. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. When violations occur, you need to understand your rights and the steps that can help protect you and your family.

Protective orders are legally binding court orders. They are not suggestions. When an ex ignores those restrictions, the law provides enforcement tools designed to address the violation and discourage future misconduct. Continue reading and reach out to the domestic violence lawyers in Sussex County here at Gruber, Colabella, Thompson, Hiben & Montella to learn more about what we can do for you. Here are some of the questions you may have:

What Counts as a Violation of a Protective Order?

A violation can take many forms, some of which are obvious and others more subtle. Any action that goes against the specific terms of the order may qualify. Some of the most common examples are as follows:

• Contacting you by phone, text, email, or social media when communication is prohibited
• Showing up at your home, workplace, or another restricted location
• Sending messages through friends, family members, or third parties
• Harassing, threatening, or intimidating behavior of any kind
• Failing to follow custody or visitation restrictions listed in the order

Even a single unwanted message may be enough to constitute a violation. It does not have to involve physical contact. If the behavior makes you feel unsafe or directly contradicts the order, it should be taken seriously.

What Should I Do Immediately If My Ex Violates the Order?

Your safety should always come first. If you believe you are in immediate danger, contacting law enforcement is critical. When a violation occurs, consider taking these steps:

1. Call the police and report the violation, especially if there is a threat or physical presence
2. Save all evidence, including screenshots, call logs, voicemails, and messages
3. Write down dates, times, locations, and details while they are still fresh
4. Avoid responding directly to your ex, even if the message feels urgent

Law enforcement officers in New Jersey have the authority to arrest someone for violating a protective order. Documentation can make a significant difference in how quickly and effectively the issue is addressed.

How Can a New Jersey Family Lawyer Help With Enforcement?

Protective order violations often involve both family law and criminal consequences. A knowledgeable family lawyer can help guide you through this complicated process. Some of the ways in which our family lawyers may help are as follows:

• Filing a motion with the court to address the violation
• Requesting modifications to strengthen the existing order
• Coordinating with prosecutors or law enforcement when criminal charges are involved
• Helping you understand how violations affect custody, visitation, or divorce proceedings

Violations of protective orders should never be ignored. The law is designed to protect you, but it often requires action on your part to enforce those protections. If you believe your ex is violating a protective order, please don’t hesitate to contact the dedicated and compassionate legal team here at Gruber, Colabella, Thompson, Hiben & Montella for a free consultation today so we can discuss your case.