Receiving a knock on the door from local law enforcement is a moment that can change the trajectory of your life. In New Jersey, when police serve you with a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), you are suddenly pulled into a fast-moving legal process that demands immediate attention.
Depending on what the order says, you may be required to leave a shared home, surrender or be prohibited from possessing weapons, and follow strict no-contact rules that can affect everyday issues like parenting time and household logistics. At Davis Law Firm, we understand how confusing and frightening these documents can feel, especially when you are trying to protect your job, your family, and your future.
Because New Jersey takes domestic violence allegations seriously, the system is designed to move quickly. In most cases, the court generally schedules the Final Restraining Order (FRO) hearing within 10 days of the TRO being issued. That short window is often the most important time for preparing your defense.
Here is what to expect next, and how to start preparing right away if you have been served with a TRO in New Jersey.
The Immediate Impact of a TRO
A TRO takes effect immediately. Even if you disagree with the allegations, you must follow the order as written until a judge changes it.
In some situations, law enforcement may allow you to collect essential belongings under supervision before you leave a shared residence. Whether that happens (and how much time you are given) can depend on the specific restraints and safety concerns.
A TRO will also typically prohibit contact with the plaintiff. That can include phone calls, text messages, emails, social media messages, and contact through third parties, unless the order clearly allows limited communication through a defined method. Violating a restraining order can result in arrest and criminal contempt charges.
Important: Do not try to explain, apologize, or clear the air. Even well-intended contact can be treated as a violation.
Why the 10-Day Timeline Matters
New Jersey law generally requires a prompt hearing after a TRO is filed, and NJ Courts explains that the FRO hearing is scheduled within 10 days of the TRO being issued. At that hearing, the judge will decide whether a predicate act of domestic violence occurred and whether a final restraining order should be entered to protect the plaintiff from future acts.
Both parties have the right to have an attorney, and either side can ask for an adjournment (a delay) to obtain legal representation. Because a domestic violence restraining order case is a civil matter, the court does not appoint attorneys for TRO or FRO hearings.
If the hearing is postponed, the TRO restrictions typically remain in place during the delay, so the practical impact on your housing, contact, and parenting time may continue until the matter is resolved.
To make the next steps easier to follow, here is a straightforward day-by-day breakdown.
Your Next 10 Days: A Day-by-Day Timeline After You’re Served
Day 0 (The day you’re served):
- Read the TRO carefully and follow it exactly.
- Do not contact the plaintiff directly or indirectly unless the order clearly allows a specific method of communication. Violations can lead to arrest and contempt charges.
- Preserve evidence immediately: texts, call logs, emails, voicemails, photos, and screenshots. Avoid deleting anything, even if you think it looks “bad” out of context.
Days 1-3:
- Confirm the FRO hearing date, time, and location listed on the paperwork.
- Start building a clean timeline of events leading up to the TRO.
- Identify witnesses who can truthfully confirm key facts (where you were, what was said, what happened, and when).
Days 4-7:
- Organize your digital evidence into a clear, labeled file (for example: texts, photos, voicemails, timeline).
- Contact the court clerk’s office for instructions on presenting digital evidence (such as texts, photos, or video), so you do not lose time or miss a requirement.
- Prepare for testimony and cross-examination. Practice answering questions calmly and directly.
Days 8-10 (The hearing window):
- Be prepared to present your side clearly and respond to questions from the judge.
- If the hearing is adjourned, understand that the TRO typically remains in place during that delay.
Now that you have a general idea of what the next 10 days typically look like, it helps to understand what the judge is focused on at the hearing.
The Silver v. Silver Standard
New Jersey courts apply a two-part analysis often referred to as the Silver v. Silver test:
- First, the plaintiff must prove that a predicate act of domestic violence occurred, such as harassment, assault, stalking, or terroristic threats.
- Second, the judge considers whether a restraining order is necessary to protect the plaintiff from future acts of domestic violence.
That second prong is often a key focus of the court’s analysis. Even when emotions are high and accusations are serious, the court is still required to evaluate whether a final restraining order is actually needed going forward.
Building a Defense Strategy After You’re Served
Because the timeline is short, it is critical to start gathering information right away. In many TRO/FRO cases, the most important evidence is not physical; it is digital and contextual.
That can include:
- Text messages, call logs, emails, and voicemails
- Social media messages and posts
- Photos, videos, and screenshots
- Witnesses who can provide context or timeline support
Bring copies of anything you plan to rely on, and keep your materials organized so you can quickly provide context when asked.
In some cases, restraining orders are filed during a divorce or custody dispute, and the timing and allegations may be tied to family law leverage. When that is happening, it is important to bring the surrounding context to the court’s attention in a disciplined, credible way.
You should also be prepared for the reality of the hearing: the judge may hear testimony from both sides, and you may be cross-examined. Preparation matters. If your TRO was filed in Mercer County, the timeline moves quickly, especially when court dates are approaching.
The Long-Term Consequences of a Final Restraining Order in New Jersey
In New Jersey, an FRO does not have an expiration date and remains in effect until further order of the court. That is one reason it is so important to take the hearing seriously.
If an FRO is issued, NJ Courts explains that the defendant will be photographed and fingerprinted and will be assessed a penalty, typically ranging from $50 to $500.
An FRO can also:
- Restrict where you can go (home, workplace, other locations) and prohibit contact or communication
- Affect parenting time (including supervised or suspended parenting time in some cases)
- Require monetary relief, such as child support or emergent financial relief
- Show up in background checks and create long-term consequences for employment and housing
- Prohibit weapon possession
Given these stakes, walking into court unprepared is a risk most people cannot afford.
How Davis Law Firm Helps People Facing TRO and FRO Hearings
When a restraining order case moves this fast, you need more than generic advice. You need a team that stays hands-on, communicates clearly, and is ready to advocate for you in court. As your Mercer County restraining order lawyers at Davis Law Firm, we keep our practice personal, so you are never handed off or left wondering about the next steps in your case.
We also know these cases rarely exist in a vacuum. A TRO or FRO can overlap with parenting time, housing concerns, and sometimes related criminal allegations. Our approach is built to address the full picture and protect what matters most: your freedom, your reputation, and your ability to move forward.
Most importantly, we communicate in plain language. We do not bury clients in legal jargon or leave them in the dark. We explain what the court is focused on, what decisions need to be made, and what to expect at each stage so you can walk into your hearing feeling prepared instead of overwhelmed. And when language access matters, we offer support in English and Spanish to better serve our community.
Contact Davis Law Firm to Schedule a Consultation
If you have been served with a TRO, the clock is already running. The steps you take in the next several days can have long-term consequences. Do not wait until the morning of your hearing to seek help.
If you are unsure what the TRO prohibits, have questions about what evidence matters most, or need to prepare for your hearing, our team can help you take control of the next 10 days.
Contact Davis Law Firm to schedule your confidential consultation by calling 609-587-9100 or reaching out through our secure online form.
Disclaimer: The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
