The 44-year-old actor's ex-wife was granted a temporary restraining order against him last month, after claiming he beat her during an argument in Costa Rica.
Howard has agreed to abide by the terms of the protection order, which was made permanent in court in Los Angeles and will remain in place until 2016, reported TMZ online.
The actor was originally required to stay 100 yards away from Michelle at all times but the judge also extended the distance to 300 yards.
The Oscar-nominee, who has three adult children, previously said he was 'heartbroken' over the domestic abuse allegations and strongly denied attacking Michelle.