The standard a proof to modify an existing Restraining Order depends on partially on whether it is the Plaintiff or the Defendant seeking the modification and a little bit about what the status of the existing Order is and what the modification to be sought is. To obtain a modification of a Restraining Order the person requesting it must show by clear and convincing evidence that there was a momentous change of circumstances.

If a Defendant wants to change an existing Order and changes it substantially to limit the scope of what the Restraining Order covers. The Defendant has the burden of showing clear and convincing evidence of the provision that it is no longer necessary to protect the Plaintiff from the reasonable fear of eminent physical harm or other abuse.

There can be exceptions including some case law regarding a court case Cordelia C. vs. Steven S. In Cordelia C. v. Steven S.(2019), the Appeals Court clarified that the burden of proof for changing the terms of a 209A order at the request of a party “depends upon the status of the existing order, the nature of the modification sought, and, in some cases, whether the plaintiff or the defendant seeks the modification.”