If you wish to change your Order of Protection, you and the respondent can not change the OP just by agreeing to do so.

If you want to change any part of the Order, then you and the respondent must appear in court to modify the Order of Protection.  If you got the OP with the help of an attorney, contact him or her to ask how to change the order by agreement.

If you give the respondent permission to move back into the home, the respondent will be in violation of the order and could be arrested unless you both go to court to change the order.  However, you cannot be arrested for violating your own order.  Remember, you can keep the rest of the OP, such as prohibiting the respondent from abusing and harassing you, in full force even if the order is changed to allow the abuser to move back in with you.  Be sure that you assess the safety of living with the abuser before you make this decision.

Safety planning.... keep yourself safe! 

You should develop a safety plan for yourself and your children.  It is important to have a plan of action in the event that the abuser does violate the OP in a violent manner.  This safety plan will help you be prepared in the event of an attack. Here are some things you can do to keep you and your children safe:

• Tell your neighbors you have an Order of Protection and to call the police if they see the abuser on the property or attempting to get inside the residence.
• If the abuser is threatening you, call the police and ask them to keep an extra watch on your home.
• Keep a copy of the Order of Protection in your purse so you have it in case you have to leave.
• Pack a suitcase and keep it someplace where you have immediate access to it in case you have to leave.
• Make sure you have quick access to your keys, purse and other important items such as medical cards, credit cards, bank checks, birth certificates, lease, Public Aid ID, etc.
• During an attack try to move to a room with an easy exit. Try to avoid the bathroom or kitchen or anywhere near potential weapons.  Call the police as soon as you possibly can.  Also, save as much evidence as you can.  

Call Life Span or any area shelters for more information on safety planning and review our Safety Planning Checklists page.