Last reviewed . Law current as of October 2026.
If you were served with a temporary restraining order and do not appear at the final hearing, a New Jersey Family Part judge can hear the case without you and may enter a final restraining order based on the other side's testimony. An FRO has no expiration date, so act quickly if you missed it.
Why the date matters
The TRO lists the date and place of the final hearing, usually within about 10 days (N.J.S.A. 2C:25-29). The Judiciary's FRO process guide explains that the hearing is the defendant's chance to present a side of the story. If you were served and you are not there, the hearing can go on without you.
If you cannot attend
- Contact the Family Part before the date, using the information on your TRO or hearing notice.
- Ask for a short adjournment if you need time to get a lawyer or witnesses; the judge decides whether to grant it.
- Keep obeying the TRO. It stays in effect until the judge rules.
If you already missed it
Talk to a lawyer the same day. Depending on what happened, options can include a motion to the Family Part or an appeal to the Appellate Division, which has a 45-day deadline from the final order. More: appealing an FRO.
Frequently asked questions
Can a judge enter an FRO if I don't show up?
Yes. If you were served and do not appear, the judge can hear the plaintiff and enter a final restraining order without you.
Does the TRO end if I miss the hearing?
No. The TRO stays in effect until the judge decides, and violating it is contempt.
Sources
This page provides general information about New Jersey law. It is not legal advice, and reading it or contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different and no outcome is guaranteed.