NC H615

Allows courts to temporarily renew domestic violence protective orders upon ex parte application by the plaintiff when a renewal hearing is scheduled after the current order's expiration date.

Temporary renewals extend for a fixed period not exceeding the renewal hearing date or 30 days from the current order's expiration, whichever occurs first, unless both parties consent in writing.

Temporary renewals of custody awards cannot extend beyond the maximum one-year period, and temporary renewed orders must be served on the defendant in the same manner as ex parte orders.

Clarifies custody mediation requirements to apply specifically to motions for contempt and motions to show cause, while maintaining that alimony, child support, and other economic issues remain excluded from mandatory mediation.

Effective date of December 1, 2022 for protective order and mediation provisions, applying to pending motions to renew and motions filed on or after that date.