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A “Protective Order” is a form of relief available from the Court for
victims of domestic violence.
In Maryland, a person is eligible for a Protective Order if they: are
the current or former spouse of the alleged abuser, have a child with
the alleged abuser, had an intimate relationship and lived with the
alleged abuser for 90 days within the last year or are related by blood
or marriage to the alleged abuser.
To obtain a Protective Order, the victim must prove one of the following
acts occurred: an act that causes serious bodily harm or places the
victim in fear of imminent serious bodily harm, assault of any degree,
rape or sexual offense or attempted rape or sexual offense, false
imprisonment, child abuse, or stalking.
Under a Protective Order, the Judge may order: the alleged abuser to
stop the abuse, stay away from the victim, children or other family
members, stop contacting the victim, vacate the family home, pay
emergency financial support, attend counseling and surrender firearms.
The Judge may also award temporary child custody, visitation and use and
possession of the family home and/or jointly owned car. Protective
Orders may be issued for up to one year.
See the
Divorce Handbook for more information about Protective Orders.
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