A Protection from Abuse Order
19-A M.R.S. § 4109 — a hearing within 21 days, and a final order for up to 2 years
An adult abused by a family or household member, a dating partner or a relative may file a short complaint in the District Court where either side lives, or where the plaintiff fled from or to. Stalking, sexual crimes, sex trafficking and sharing private images also qualify, by anyone.
Who handles this in Maine: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Maine directory.
On good cause shown without the defendant present, and immediate and present danger of abuse is good cause, the court may enter a temporary order at once. It may also bar the defendant from possessing firearms and other dangerous weapons while it lasts.
Twenty-one days to a hearing. A hearing is held within 21 days of the filing, and the plaintiff proves the abuse by a preponderance of the evidence. Using reasonable force against the abuse does not defeat relief, and voluntary intoxication is no defense.
A final order lasts a fixed period of up to 2 years, and may be extended at expiration on the plaintiff's motion as often and as long as needed. A defendant barred from weapons gives them up within 24 hours after service.
Sources for this section (6)
- 19-A M.R.S. § 4103 — Eligibility
- 19-A M.R.S. § 4104 — Commencement of a proceeding
- 19-A M.R.S. § 4108 — Temporary orders
- 19-A M.R.S. § 4109 — Hearings
- 19-A M.R.S. § 4110 — Relief
- 19-A M.R.S. § 4111 — Modifying and extending orders
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Maine attorney.