Domestic Violence: What Can the Judge Order?

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTIVE ORDERS IN MARYLAND:

What the Judge Can Order?

If the judge finds that the abuse did occur, s/he may order one (or all) of the following for up to one year:

Order the abuser to stop abusing you.
Order the abuser to stay away from you and to not try to contact you or harass you.
Order the abuser to stay out of your house.
If you are married to the abuser AND you were living with your abuser at the time of the abuse, the court can order him to leave the home where the two of you live for up to one year.
If you are not married to the abuser, but were living with him at the time of the abuse AND your name is on the lease or deed for the house OR you lived with the abuser for at least ninety (90) days within the past year, the court can order him to leave the home for up to one year.
Order the abuser to stay away from your job, your school, the place where you may be staying, from your children’s school(s), and from your family members’ homes.
Order that you be given temporary custody of any children that you have with the abuser for up to one year.
Order visitation between the abuser and the children unless your safety or the safety of the children is at risk (if you believe that it is, you should let the judge know).
If you are married, order the abuser to pay money to help support you during the order.
If you have children with the abuser, order the abuser to pay support for the children.
If you own a car with the abuser, the court may order that you have sole use of the car for the period of the order (you must tell the judge that the car is necessary in order to get you to work or to transport a child).
Order the abuser or you to participate in a counseling program.
Order the abuser to surrender firearms.

A qualified local lawyer is invaluable in litigating domestic violence cases and maximizing your protection and financial security. Many are denied the proper protection by the Courts because they attempt to represent themselves. There is much at stake. Protect yourself accordingly.