Protective Orders

There is a two or three-step process that you must follow to get a domestic violence Protection Order against the alleged abuser (also called the "Respondent").

Topics on this page

• Protective Order Generally
• Step #1: Interim Protective Order - Obtaining immediate protection when the courts are closed
• Step #2: Temporary Protective Order - Obtaining immediate protection during court business hours
• Step #3: Final Protective Order – Obtaining long-term protection
• Domestic Violence - A 6-Part Video Series (from the Maryland Courts)

Protective Order Generally

In Maryland, you can obtain an order of protection from either the District Court or Circuit Court in your county. This article is a step-by-step guide to help you protect yourself against abuse.

What counts as abuse, for a protective order?

• An act that causes serious bodily harm (e.g., kicking, punching, choking/strangling, shoving, shooting, hitting with an object, stabbing, or biting);
• An act that places a person in fear of imminent serious bodily harm (including threats of harm);
• Assault;
• Rape or sexual assault (including attempts)(§§ 3-303, 3-304, 3-307, and 3-308 of the Criminal Law Article);
• False imprisonment;
• Mental injury to a minor child;
• Stalking (§ 3-802 of the Criminal Law Article); or
• Revenge porn (§ 3-809 of the Criminal Law Article)

NOTE: Unlike peace orders, one MAY NOT obtain a protective order on the basis of harassment, as defined in Md. Code, Criminal Law § 3-803.

Am I eligible for a protective order?

To be eligible for a protective order, you must fall into one of these categories:

• A current or former spouse of the alleged abuser (also called the "Respondent");
• A cohabitant of the Respondent;
• A person related to to the Respondent by blood, marriage, or adoption;
• A parent, stepparent, child, or stepchild of the Respondent or the person eligible for relief who resides (or resided) with the Respondent or person eligible for relief for at least 90 days within 1 year before the filing of the petition;
• A vulnerable adult;
• A person who has a child in common with the Respondent;
• A person who had a sexual relationship with the Respondent within 1 year before filing for relief; or
• A person who alleges that within 6 months before the filing of the petition, the Respondent committed rape or a sexual offense or attempted rape or sexual offense.

For more detail about these eligibility requirements, read Details on Who is Eligible for a Protective Order.

**If you do not qualify for a protective order under one of these categories, you may still be able to file for a peace order.**

How can I get protection under the law?

There is a two or three-step process that you must follow to obtain a domestic violence Protective Order against the alleged abuser. Some courts may have advocates on-site who can help you fill out the forms. While you can do this without a lawyer, consider contacting your local domestic violence agency for advice and counseling. Free or reduced fee legal representation may also be available through these agencies. In addition, domestic violence agencies may have shelters in your area to house you and your children to keep you safe through this process. (Click here for a list of domestic violence shelters.)

As you begin this process, if applicable, do the following:

• Take pictures of any visible bruises.
• Get copies of any police reports.
• Determine whether anyone saw the abuse and ask that person to testify on your behalf.
• If you have not already done so, talk to the police about filing criminal charges.
• If you are seeking financial relief (also known as Emergency Family Maintenance), get copies of your most recent pay stubs, living expenses (mortgage, lease, utilities, car insurance, car payment, daycare, etc.) and any income (pay stubs) or bank information you may have regarding the Respondent.

Step #1: Interim Protective Order: Obtaining immediate protection when the courts are closed

When the Courts are closed, a victim of domestic violence (also known as a "Petitioner") may file Petition for Protection from Domestic Violence (Petition) with the District Court Commissioner’s office. Commissioner’s offices are open and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week around the state. A victim of domestic violence can access a Commissioner either by going to any on-duty Commissioner’s office or by telephoning an on-call Commissioner. Contact information for the Commissioners can be found on the District Court website.

1: Fill out the Petition at the office of the District Court Commissioner in your county.

At the Commissioner’s office, you will be asked to fill out a form, called a Petition. On this form, you will list the reasons why you are seeking protection from abuse. It is important to list every example of physical abuse and threats; the history of abuse; all pending or previous court actions between the parties; and the relief you are seeking. If necessary, you may also write on an additional sheet of paper and attach it to the Petition. If the Respondent is responsible for providing you or a person eligible for relief financial support, you must request Emergency Family Maintenance on the Petition (you will need to support this request by submitting financial documentation at the time of the Final Protective Order hearing).

If you are worried about the Respondent learning your whereabouts, your address does not need to be disclosed on the Petition – you may provide an alternate address or simply ask that your address be kept confidential.

2: You will see a Commissioner.

After submitting the Petition, you will appear before a Commissioner to explain your reasons for seeking relief. As the person seeking relief, you hold the burden of proof by “reasonable grounds.” As such, it is important that you disclose any proof of abuse you may have, including, pictures, police reports, medical records, witnesses, etc.

3: What relief may the Commissioner order?

Depending on your specific circumstances, the Commissioner may order as relief any (or all) of the following:

• Order the Respondent to stop abusing or threatening you;
• Order the Respondent to stay away from you and to not try to contact you or harass you at your home, school, job, the place where you may be staying, from your children’s school(s), and from your family members’ homes;
• Order the Respondent to stay out of your home;
• If you and the Respondent are married and were living together at the time of the abuse:
  • order the Respondent to leave the home where the two of you live; and
  • award temporary custody of any children that you have with the Respondent;

  4: Contents and notice requirements of an Interim Protective Order.

  The Commissioner will forward the Interim Protective Order to law enforcement and the District Court. A law enforcement officer will then immediately serve the alleged abuser with a copy of the Interim Protective Order. The Interim Protective Order will state:

  • The day, time, and location of another hearing for a Temporary Protective Order; and
  • The tentative day, time, and location of a final hearing for a Final Protective Order.

  5: How long will the Interim Protective Order remain in effect?

  The Interim Protective Order expires at the end of the second business day after issuance or at the Temporary Protective Order hearing, whichever is the earliest. If the court is closed on the day the order is due to expire, the order remains in effect until the District or Circuit Court holds a Temporary Protective Order hearing.

  6: Temporary Protective Order Hearing.

  You must attend a Temporary Protective Order hearing to extend the length and scope of protection contained in the Interim Protective Order. If the other side has not received a copy (i.e., been served), the Court will issue a Temporary Protective Order and serve the Respondent with notice of the final hearing.

  Step #2: Temporary Protective Order: Obtaining immediate protection during court business hours

  1: Go to the District or Circuit Court in your county.

  Normal business hours for Court are Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. When you arrive at court, tell the Clerk of the Court (Clerk) that you want to file a Petition for Protection from Domestic Violence (Petition). The Respondent does not have to go to court with you.

  NOTE: If you have an Interim Protective Order, you do not need to see the Clerk. Instead, take a seat in the assigned courtroom and wait for your case to be called because you already have a scheduled hearing. Skip to “4 below: You will see a Judge.”

  NOTE: Petitioners can file electronically in some circumstances. For more information please see the article on Protective Orders - Frequently Asked Questions.

  2: The Clerk will give you Petition to complete.

  On this form, you will list the reasons why you are seeking protection from abuse. It is important to list every example of physical abuse and threats; the history of abuse; and the relief you are seeking. If necessary, you may also write on an additional sheet of paper and attach it to the Petition. If the Respondent is responsible for providing you or a person eligible for relief financial support, you must request Emergency Family Maintenance on the Petition (you will need to support this request by submitting financial documentation at the time of the Final Protective Order hearing).

  If you are worried about the Respondent learning your whereabouts, your address does not need to be disclosed on the Petition – you may provide an alternate address or simply ask that your address be kept confidential.

  NOTE: Unlike many other pleadings one might file, a petition for protection, along with a protective order addendum form, is all that you need to start this case. There is no filing fee.

  3: In which court (District or Circuit) should I file the Petition in?

  On the Petition, there will be a question asking whether there are any previous or pending court cases between yourself, the person you want protection for and the Respondent. This includes paternity, child support, divorce, custody, domestic violence, juvenile matter, or criminal cases. If you reply “yes,” your case may be heard before a Circuit Court Judge or Family Magistrate. In some circumstances, the District Court will, on its own initiative, transfer the case to the Circuit Court for further handling.

  NOTE: When deciding whether to file in the Circuit Court or the District Court, you may want to consider that you are guaranteed a right to appeal from District Court to the Circuit Court if you start in the District Court and are not successful for any reason. This would be a de novo appeal, meaning that there would be a new trial in the Circuit Court at which new evidence may be presented and new determinations are made. If you start in the Circuit Court and are not successful, it is much more difficult to appeal.

  4: You will see a Judge.

  Whether you received an Interim Protective Order or are submitting a Petition for the first time, you will appear before a Judge to explain your reasons for seeking relief. As the person seeking relief, you hold the burden of proof by “reasonable grounds.” As such, it is important that you disclose any proof of abuse you may have, including pictures, police reports, medical records, witnesses, etc.

  NOTE: If you filed an Interim Protective Order, the Commissioner’s decision to grant or deny any relief is not binding on the Judge who will hear your case for a Temporary Protective Order.

  5: What relief may the Judge order?

  Depending on your specific circumstances, the Judge may order as relief any (or all) of the following:

  • Order the Respondent to stop abusing or threatening you;
  • Order the Respondent to stay away from you and to not try to contact you or harass you at your home, school, job, the place where you may be staying, from your children’s school(s), and from your family members’ homes;
  • Order the Respondent to stay out of your home;
  • If you and the Respondent are married and were living together at the time of the abuse:
    • order the Respondent to leave the home where the two of you live; and
    • award temporary custody of any children that you have with the Respondent;

    NOTE: For temporary or final protective orders, the judge can order “no contact,” which is exactly like it sounds – the Respondent cannot contact you for any reason. The judge can also order “no abuse,” or “no abusive contact,” which means that the Respondent cannot abuse you, but could contact you for other purposes.

    Sometimes, “no contact” language is necessary, even in situations where you share children with the Respondent, even if you must or are trying to co-parent children. However, if you do not want language as extreme as “no contact,” consider request language that says, “no contact, except for the purposes of facilitating any custodial exchanges.” This allows for communication about the children, but maintains the “no contact” language, which may provide more protection than “no abuse” or “no abusive contact.”

    6: What happens if the Respondent appears in court for the Temporary Protective Order hearing after having been served with an Interim Protective Order?

    The Court may proceed with a Final Protective Order hearing provided that the Court has personal jurisdiction over the Respondent and the parties expressly consent to waive the Temporary Protective Order hearing. See Step #3: Final Protective Order: Obtaining long-term protection.”

    7: Contents and notice requirements of a Temporary Protective Order.

    The Court will immediately forward the Temporary Protective Order to law enforcement to locate and serve the alleged abuser with a copy of the order. The Temporary Protective Order will state the day, time, and location of a final hearing for a Final Protective Order.

    8: How long will the Temporary Protective Order remain in effect?

    The Temporary Protective Order remains in effect for not more than 7 days after law enforcement has given the Respondent a copy of the order (i.e., service). If the Court is closed on the day the order is due to expire, the order remains in effect until the court holds a Final Protective Order hearing. The Judge may extend the order, as needed, up to 6 months to serve the Respondent with the order or for good cause.

    9: Final Protective Order hearing.

    You must attend a Final Protective Order hearing to extend the length and scope of protection contained in the Temporary Protective Order. The Judge will schedule another hearing that will be held in 1 week.

    Step #3: Final Protective Order – obtaining long-term protection

    1: Final Protective Order hearing.

    At the Final Protection Order hearing, if the Respondent has been served with a copy of the Temporary Protective Order but fails to appear for the hearing, you should ask the Judge to enter an order of protection against the Respondent – this is called a Default Order.

    If the Respondent is present at the hearing, the Respondent may or may not be represented by a lawyer. When the case is called, both you and the Respondent will have a chance to tell the Judge what happened that led you to file the Petition. This is a formal hearing and the rules of evidence apply.

    As the person seeking relief, you hold the burden of proof by “preponderance of the evidence,” to show more likely than not that the abuse occurred and you are eligible for relief. Please note that the Judge who hears the case may not be the same Judge as the one who presided over the Temporary Protective Order hearing, so it is important that you repeat all the reasons why you are seeking relief, this includes submitting into evidence any documentation of abuse (police report, hospital records, photographs, etc.) and calling witnesses on your behalf. If you are afraid of the Respondent, have safety concerns for yourself or children or if the Respondent has attempted to contact you within the past week (under the protection of a Temporary Protective Order), you must let the judge know. It is also important to present documentation and discuss reasons why you may need financial assistance during the pendency of the Final Protective Order.

    Be aware that the Respondent or the lawyer will ask you questions in cross-examination and will have an opportunity to disprove your case. Do not be surprised or upset if the Respondent lies about what happened. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Judge will decide whether or not the abuse occurred.

    2: What the Judge Can Order.

    If the Judge finds that the abuse did occur, the Judge may order one (or all) of the following for up to 1 year:

    • Order the Respondent to stop abusing or threatening to abuse you;
    • Order the Respondent to stay away from you and to not try to contact you or harass you;
    • Order the Respondent to stay out of your home;
    • If you are married to the Respondent AND you were living together at the time of the abuse, the court can order the Respondent to leave the home where the two of you live;
    • If you are not married to the Respondent, but were living together at the time of the abuse AND your name is on the lease or deed for the home OR you lived with the Respondent for at least ninety (90) days within the past year, the court can order the Respondent to leave the home;
    • Order the Respondent to stay away from your job, your school, the place where you may be staying, from your children’s school(s), and from your family members’ homes;
    • Order that you be given temporary custody of any children that you have with the Respondent (including the use of reasonable and necessary force to return the minor child to the custodial parent) and, depending on safety considerations, the Judge may condition or restrict visitation;
    • Order that you be given temporary custody of any pets you own with the Respondent;
    • If you are married, order the Respondent to pay money to help support you during the order;
    • If you have children with the Respondent, order the Respondent to pay support for the children;
    • If you own a car with the Respondent, the court may order that you have sole use of the car for the period of the order (you must tell the judge that the car is necessary in order to get you to work or to transport a child);
    • Order the Respondent or you to participate in a counseling program (domestic violence and/or drug/alcohol);
    • Order the Respondent to surrender firearms;
    • Order the Respondent to stay away from a child care location; or
    • Any other relief that a judge determines to be necessary to protect you from abuse.

    You and the Respondent will each receive a copy of the Protective Order at the time of the hearing. If the Respondent fails to appear, the Court will mail the Respondent a copy of the Protective Order via first-class mail. Keep a copy of the order with you at all times.

    3: Mutual orders of protection.

    The Judge may issue a mutual Final Protective Order provided the Judge makes a detailed finding of fact that:

    • Both parties acted primarily as aggressors; and
    • Neither party acted primarily in self-defense.

    These videos cover who qualifies for a protective order, how to ask for one, what happens at the hearings and more.