Reviewed August 2026
Protective Orders in Maryland
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-7233. Maryland's civil protection order is called a protective order. It is authorized under the Family Law Article, section 4-501 and following. A person abused by a family or household member, a current or former spouse, or a co-parent can petition the district or circuit court. There is no fee to file. Maryland also has a related but separate peace order process for people without this kind of family or household relationship. A Maryland court can grant an interim or temporary protective order the same day if the danger is immediate. A final order issued after a hearing can require no contact and order the respondent out of a shared home. It can also set temporary custody terms for shared children.
Virdix's document-preparation product currently prepares divorce paperwork for California and Florida cases. This page explains how protective orders works under Maryland law for people researching before they file. It is not legal advice, and Virdix does not prepare or file Maryland paperwork. See how Virdix works for California divorces.
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Who qualifies for a protective order
Maryland's protective order statute covers current and former spouses, and people related by blood, marriage, or adoption. It also covers people who live together, or lived together for at least 90 days within the past year, in some relationship categories. People with a child in common, a recent sexual relationship, and vulnerable adults also qualify. Someone who doesn't fit these categories, such as a roommate outside those relationship terms or a coworker, generally needs a peace order instead. That follows a similar but separate Maryland process.
Interim, temporary, and final orders
Maryland uses a three-stage process. A petitioner can get an interim protective order from a District Court commissioner when the courts are closed. This lasts until the next court day. The court then generally issues a temporary protective order, which can last a week or two. A final hearing follows, where both sides can appear. If the judge finds grounds for protection at that hearing, a final protective order in Maryland can last up to a year and can be extended.
Exact scheduling depends on the court's calendar. Confirm the hearing date and any local paperwork with the district or circuit court clerk in the filing county.
Filing is free, and where to file
Maryland charges no filing fee for a protective order petition. Petitions can be filed in the District Court or circuit court of the county where the petitioner lives, where the respondent lives, or where the abuse occurred. After hours, an interim order can be requested from a court commissioner. Maryland courts provide self-help resources along with the standard petition forms.
Firearms provisions
Maryland law requires a respondent to surrender firearms once a final protective order is issued. A court can impose the same requirement at the temporary order stage. Federal law separately restricts firearm possession for a person subject to certain qualifying domestic violence protective orders. Violating a Maryland protective order is a criminal offense that can lead to arrest.
Protective orders and divorce or custody cases
A protective order in Maryland is a separate case from a divorce or custody case. A petitioner does not need either open to request one. The protective order can still set temporary custody and visitation terms for shared children while it is active. If a divorce or custody case is already open, tell that court about the protective order so the two cases can be handled consistently.
Sources: Maryland Family Law Article, Section 4-501, Maryland General Assembly, Maryland Judiciary, Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence
Not independently confirmed
- Exact duration of the temporary protective order stage before the final hearing can vary by county calendar; confirm with the filing court.
- MNADV's own site did not display a distinct statewide crisis hotline number separate from its office line; this page uses the National Domestic Violence Hotline number only.
Protective Orders in Maryland: frequently asked questions
What is a protective order in Maryland?+
It is Maryland's civil protective order under Family Law 4-501 and following. It applies to spouses, family and household members, co-parents, and people with a recent sexual relationship or cohabitation history. While active, it can order no contact and firearms surrender.
Where do I file for a protective order in Maryland?+
In the District Court or circuit court of the county where you live, where the respondent lives, or where the abuse occurred. After hours, an interim order can be requested from a District Court commissioner.
Does it cost money to file in Maryland?+
No. There is no filing fee for a protective order petition in Maryland.
What is the difference between a protective order and a peace order in Maryland?+
A protective order covers people with a family, household, or intimate relationship, such as spouses, relatives, co-parents, or recent romantic partners. A peace order covers people without that relationship, such as neighbors or coworkers, and follows a similar but separate Maryland process.
How fast can I get protection in Maryland?+
A court commissioner can issue an interim order when courts are closed. A judge can issue a temporary order the same day, if filed during court hours. Both stay in effect until the final hearing, where a judge decides on a longer order.
Can a protective order affect custody in Maryland?+
Yes. It can include temporary custody and visitation terms for children the parties share, even without a separate custody case open. If a divorce or custody case already exists, tell that court about the protective order.
This page is general information about protective orders in Maryland, not legal advice for your situation. Laws, fees, and procedures change over time; confirm current details with Maryland's own courts before relying on anything here. Virdix is not a law firm and is not licensed to practice law in Maryland. Virdix does not prepare or file Maryland divorce paperwork. It is not a substitute for an attorney licensed in Maryland.
More Maryland divorce guides
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