Protective Orders
Fam. Law § 4-506 — a final hearing within 7 days, an order of up to 1 year, and firearms surrendered
After a temporary protective order is served, the final protective order hearing in Maryland is held no later than 7 days later, unless continued for good cause. If the judge finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the abuse happened, or the respondent consents, the judge may grant a final order to protect anyone eligible for relief. Among what the order may do:
- Order the respondent not to abuse or threaten to abuse anyone eligible for relief.
- Order the respondent not to contact, attempt to contact, or harass them.
- Order the respondent not to enter their residence.
- Order the respondent to vacate a shared home, giving temporary use and possession to the person eligible for relief.
- Award temporary custody of a minor child.
Firearms surrendered. A final protective order requires the respondent to surrender any firearm to law enforcement and not possess one for as long as the order lasts.
Relief lasts for the period the order states, up to 1 year, or up to 2 years where the abuse happened, or the respondent consents, within 1 year after a prior final order for the same person against the same respondent expired. A judge may extend it.
Sources for this section (1)
- Md. Code, Fam. Law § 4-506 — Final protective orders
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Maryland attorney.