Prepare your documents for Domestic Violence Protection Order in Maryland

This website helps prepare the forms required for Domestic Violence Protection Order in Maryland.

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HOW IT WORKS

1. Take Screening

Start with a short online screening tool to help you determine whether you are eligible to file for a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) in Maryland and which type of protective order best fits your situation.

2. Prepare Documents

Instead of navigating complex court forms on your own, our system will guide you through preparing your Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) filing documents for Maryland. You will answer a series of questions organized by topic, using clear, plain, and non-legal language. To make the process as simple and accurate as possible, your answers will automatically be placed wherever they are required on the DVPO forms.

3. Consult Advocate (Optional)

You may choose to consult a domestic violence advocate to receive guidance and support related to your Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) case in Maryland. An advocate can help you understand the protective order process and your available options. They may review your documents, explain court procedures, connect you with local resources, and help you prepare for your hearing.

4. File with the Clerk

You can begin your Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) case in Maryland by filing a Petition for Protection from Domestic Violence with the District Court or Circuit Court in the county where you live, where the respondent lives, or where the abuse occurred.

DVPO cases in Maryland do not require a filing fee. You may file your petition in person at the clerk’s office during court hours, or electronically where e-filing is available. If the court is closed and you are in immediate danger, you may file for an Interim Protective Order through a District Court Commissioner.

Process

Step 1

You: Take Online Screening

Begin your Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) process in Maryland by taking the screening on LegalAtoms. Enter your ZIP code in the top right corner of the homepage, then answer a few questions about your situation and experiences. This screening helps determine whether you are eligible to file for a DVPO and identifies the type of protective order that best fits your circumstances. LegalAtoms will guide you through the process according to your county’s court rules and filing procedures.

Before starting, gather any evidence, documents, or records that support your request for protection.

Step 2

You: Gather Evidence and Prepare to File Your DVPO

Start by collecting any documents, records, or other evidence that support your request for a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) in Maryland, such as:

Police reports, incident reports, or restraining orders from previous cases
Text messages, emails, or letters showing threats, harassment, or abuse
Photos, videos, or medical records that document injuries or property damage
Witness statements or affidavits from people who observed the abuse

Next, confirm that your situation qualifies for a DVPO — the abuse must involve someone you have a specific relationship with (spouse, partner, family member, household member, or someone you’ve dated). Complete the Petition for Protection from Domestic Violence and file it with the District Court or Circuit Court in the county where you live, the respondent lives, or where the abuse occurred.

Keep copies of all documents and evidence, as you’ll need them for your hearing and when serving the respondent. Contact the Clerk of the Court in your county for the correct forms, filing instructions, and information about court locations and procedures.

Step 3

You: Wait for Required Time Before Filing (If Applicable)

Before filing a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) in Maryland, consider whether an immediate filing is necessary. If you are in danger or fear for your safety, you can file right away for an Interim Protective Order.

In cases that are not urgent, you might first try to resolve conflicts safely—such as by avoiding contact, seeking mediation through an advocate, or documenting the abuse. Keep a record of all incidents, communications, and threats during this period, as this evidence may be important for your petition.

If the abuse continues or escalates, or if you need protection, you can proceed by filing a Petition for Protection from Domestic Violence with the District Court or Circuit Court in the county where you live, the respondent lives, or where the abuse occurred.

Step 4

You: Create Your DVPO Case on LegalAtoms

Log into your LegalAtoms account, or create one if you don’t already have an account. On your dashboard, select Start New Case, choose Maryland as the state, and select Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) as the case type. The platform will guide you step by step through entering:

The respondent’s full name and contact information
A description of the abuse or threats you have experienced
Any supporting evidence such as police reports, messages, photos, medical records, or witness statements

LegalAtoms will automatically prepare the required Petition for Protection from Domestic Violence and any other Maryland court forms based on your answers and your county’s requirements.

Review all documents carefully, then digitally sign them within the platform. If your county supports e-filing, you can submit your forms directly through LegalAtoms. Otherwise, download the complete packet to print and file in person with the District Court or Circuit Court in the appropriate county.

Step 5

You: Serve the Respondent with Your DVPO Petition

After you file your Petition for Protection from Domestic Violence (DVPO) in Maryland, the court will issue a Summons and a copy of your Petition for the respondent. You are responsible for ensuring that the respondent is properly served with these documents. Service can usually be completed by:

The sheriff in the county where the respondent lives
A private process server authorized to serve legal papers
Certified mail (restricted delivery, return receipt requested), if the court allows it

If you use the sheriff or a private process server, you will need to provide copies of your court documents and pay any required service fees (or request a fee waiver if you qualify). If serving by certified mail, the court clerk can often assist with preparing and mailing the documents.

Once the respondent is served, you must file proof of service with the court—such as the sheriff’s return, affidavit of service, or certified mail receipt—to confirm that the respondent was properly notified of your DVPO case.

Step 6

You: Wait for the Respondent’s Response

After the respondent is served with your DVPO petition in Maryland, they are not required to file a written response. Both you (the petitioner) and the respondent must appear in court on the scheduled hearing date listed on the Summons.

During this time, the respondent may:

Contact you or a court-appointed advocate to discuss resolving the matter before the hearing (though this is rare in DVPO cases)
Gather evidence, witnesses, or documentation to present their side to the court

This waiting period gives both parties time to prepare their evidence and ensures that the court hearing provides a fair opportunity for each side to present their case.

Step 7

You: Obtain Final Order and Enforce the Court’s Decision

At the end of your DVPO hearing in Maryland, the judge will issue a Final Protective Order if they find that abuse occurred. This order may include protections such as:

Prohibiting the respondent from contacting or approaching you
Ordering the respondent to stay away from your home, workplace, school, or other locations
Granting temporary custody or visitation protections, if applicable
Requiring the respondent to surrender firearms, if applicable

The Final Protective Order is legally enforceable. If the respondent violates any part of the order, you can contact law enforcement immediately. Violations may result in arrest or other legal consequences for the respondent.

Unlike small claims cases, there is no “collection” process—enforcement focuses on ensuring your safety and compliance with the court order. The respondent may request a hearing to modify or contest the order within the timeframe allowed by Maryland law.

FAQs

What is a DVPO Case?

A DVPO case in Maryland is a legal case in which a person requests a Domestic Violence Protection Order from the court to protect themselves from abuse, threats, harassment, or violence by a family member, household member, or intimate partner. The court can issue temporary or final orders that restrict the abuser’s contact, require them to stay away from the victim, and provide other safety measures. The goal of a DVPO case is to ensure the safety and protection of the victim and any children involved.

What is a valid reason for filing a DVPO case in Maryland?

A valid reason for filing a DVPO case in Maryland is if you have experienced domestic violence, abuse, threats, harassment, or stalking from someone you have a protected relationship with, such as a spouse, former spouse, partner, cohabitant, family member, or someone you’ve dated. The abuse can be physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological, and the court must find that protection is needed to ensure your safety.

What is the DVPO process in Maryland?

The DVPO process in Maryland begins when a person (the petitioner) files a Petition for Protection from Domestic Violence at the District or Circuit Court in the county where they live, where the respondent lives, or where the abuse occurred. The court may first issue a Temporary or Interim Protective Order for immediate safety. The respondent is then served with the petition and summons and given a chance to appear at a hearing. At the full hearing, both parties can present evidence and witnesses. If the court finds that abuse occurred, it may issue a Final Protective Order, which can include restrictions on contact, staying away from certain places, and other protective measures.

Violating a DVPO is a criminal offense, and the petitioner can contact law enforcement to enforce it.

How long does the DVPO process take in Maryland?

The DVPO process in Maryland can vary depending on the circumstances, but generally:

Emergency/Temporary Orders: A Temporary or Interim Protective Order can be issued the same day you file if the court finds immediate danger.
Full Hearing: The final hearing is usually scheduled within 7 to 14 days after the temporary order is issued.
Final Protective Order: If the court grants the order, it can last up to 12 months and may be extended in some cases.

Overall, from filing to final order, the process can take about 1–2 weeks in urgent cases, though scheduling and court availability can sometimes make it longer.

What happens if my filing is rejected?

If your DVPO filing is rejected in Maryland, it usually means the court found that your petition was incomplete, incorrect, or didn’t meet eligibility requirements. Common reasons include missing information, wrong forms, or insufficient evidence of abuse.

When this happens, the court will typically notify you of the issues and may allow you to correct and refile your petition. You should carefully review the instructions, gather any missing information or documents, and resubmit as soon as possible. In the meantime, if you are in danger, you can ask the court about emergency protective measures while you fix the filing.

When will I hear back about my filing?

In Maryland, after you file a DVPO petition, you usually hear back from the court very quickly, especially if you requested a Temporary or Interim Protective Order.

Same day: In urgent cases, the court can issue a temporary order immediately or within hours of filing.
Within a few days: The clerk’s office will schedule a full hearing, usually within 7–14 days. You will receive a Summons or Notice of Hearing telling you the date, time, and location.

If you don’t receive any notice within a few days, contact the Clerk of the Court in the county where you filed to confirm your petition and hearing date.

Are there fees associated with filing a DVPO case in Maryland?

Where Can I Get Help with DVPO Issues in Maryland?

If you need help with a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) in Maryland, there are several resources available. Statewide organizations like the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence (MNADV) can connect you with local service providers, crisis hotlines, shelters, and support programs. You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1‑800‑799‑7233, which operates 24/7 and offers support, safety planning, and referrals to local services. 211 Maryland is another important resource that can help you find shelters, counseling, legal assistance, and advocacy services in your area. Many local organizations, such as the House of Ruth Maryland, the Center for Abused Persons, and community advocacy groups, provide counseling, crisis intervention, and help with filing protective orders.

For legal support, some nonprofits like the Women’s Law Center of Maryland offer guidance and advocacy in DVPO cases, while private attorneys and law firms can provide representation if needed.

Additionally, Family Justice Centers in certain counties, such as Montgomery County, bring together law enforcement, legal aid, and advocacy services in one location to assist survivors. If you are ever in immediate danger, you should call 911 for police protection. These resources are designed to help ensure your safety, provide guidance through the court process, and connect you with ongoing support.

Court Forms Created This website guides you through all the topics required to complete your DVPO court documents and file your case.

Core Forms

Petition for Protection Order

Addendum To Petition For Protective Order

Petition to Modify Rescind Extend Protective Order

Request To Withhold Address

Financial Statement