If you’re facing criminal charges in Indiana, the court might issue a no-contact order—a serious legal restriction that can disrupt nearly every part of your life. Whether it’s your spouse, your co-parent, or someone you’ve known for years, a no-contact order can mean you’re suddenly forbidden from speaking to someone who’s central to your world.
At the Marc Lopez Law Firm, we hear this question all the time: Can a no-contact order be lifted or changed? The good news is yes—it’s possible. But there’s a process, and it isn’t always straightforward. That’s where an experienced no contact order attorney can make all the difference.
What Is an Indiana No Contact Order?
In Indiana, a no-contact order is typically issued when someone is charged with a crime involving another person. This often includes cases of domestic battery, harassment, intimidation, or other interpersonal offenses. The goal of the order is to protect the alleged victim while the legal process plays out.
There are two types of Indiana no contact orders:
- Pre-trial no-contact order – Issued while criminal charges are pending
- Post-conviction no-contact order – May be part of a sentence following a plea or conviction
Both types prohibit direct and indirect communication. This includes:
- Face-to-face contact
- Phone calls or video chats
- Texts and social media messages
- Emails
- Letters or cards
- Messages sent through a third party (like a friend or family member
Even a seemingly harmless gesture—like having your cousin “just check in” with the protected person—can result in a new criminal charge: invasion of privacy. That’s why it’s crucial to take no-contact orders seriously and to consult a qualified no contact order attorney before making any moves.
How an Indiana No Contact Order Can Affect Your Life
An Indiana no contact order isn’t just a legal restriction—it’s a personal one. These orders can:
- Prevent you from returning to your own home
- Make it harder to co-parent effectively
- Tear families apart over a single incident
- Interfere with work, school, or other responsibilities
One bad night can lead to police involvement, criminal charges, and suddenly, you’re not even allowed to talk to your spouse or children. The system is designed to protect people, but it doesn’t always account for the full story. That’s why modifying or terminating an Indiana no contact order is sometimes necessary—and entirely appropriate.
Can a No Contact Order Be Terminated or Modified?
Yes. Indiana law allows for a no contact order to be terminated (removed completely) or modified (adjusted to allow limited communication). But here’s the key: The person protected by the order usually has to initiate this process.
Here’s how it typically works:
- The protected person notifies the prosecutor that they’re okay with the no-contact order being lifted or changed.
- They appear in court to tell the judge directly.
- The judge evaluates the request, often asking why the change is being requested and whether the protected party feels safe.
If the court believes the change won’t endanger anyone, the judge will often agree to modify or remove the order.
It’s important to note: Many no-contact orders are put in place without asking the protected party what they want. This can leave people stuck in legal limbo—especially in cases involving family, housing, or childcare.
Modifications That Make Sense for Families
Total separation isn’t always realistic. In many family-related cases, the protected person doesn’t want the order removed entirely—they just need some level of communication.
We’ve helped clients secure modifications that allow:
- Phone calls and texts about parenting schedules
- Third-party drop-offs for children
- Safe, limited in-person contact with clear boundaries
These changes can help restore some sense of normalcy while the case is pending. If you’re a parent dealing with a no-contact order, these adjustments can be the difference between chaos and stability.
A skilled no contact order attorney can help draft and propose reasonable modifications that address both legal concerns and real-world needs.
What Judges Look For
Courts in Indiana don’t take these requests lightly. When considering whether to lift or modify a no-contact order, judges typically want to know:
- Is the protected person making the request voluntarily?
- Do they understand the risks?
- Do they feel safe?
- Has the defendant respected the order so far?
Having a no contact order attorney guide you through this process ensures that all of the appropriate legal steps are followed—and that the court sees your case in the best possible light.
Make the Right Call
If you’re trying to modify or terminate an Indiana no contact order, don’t do it alone. Violating one—even unintentionally—can lead to new charges and bigger problems. The Marc Lopez Law Firm has helped countless clients navigate this process, and we’re ready to help you, too.
Give us a call at 317-632-3642 and let’s talk about your options. We’ll walk you through what needs to happen and help make sure the court hears your side of the story.
And remember—always plead the 5th.
