Cross Border Reach

May a New Jersey court protect a person claiming to be a victim of domestic violence in another state and who seeks refuge in New Jersey, from an alleged abuser who has no contacts with this State? Our highest court holds that New Jersey courts do in fact have the authority to issue ex parte relief in the form of a temporary restraining order upon a showing both that the plaintiff is in danger of domestic violence and that the TRO is necessary to protect life, health or well-being.   Shah v. Shah, New Jersey Supreme Court, ___N.J.___(2005); 2005 WL 1528420; July 9, 2005