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If you’re considering applying for a Peace Order or Protective Order, you need to know the differences between the two options. While both are recognized in Maryland, they have key differences that could result in application denial if you apply for the wrong one and don’t have the evidence to support the application.

Here are some of the differences you should be aware of when filing for a Protective Order or Peace Order:

• Who Can File:
  You can file for a Protective Order when you have a current or previous relationship with the abuser. The nature of the relationship includes spouses, parents, vulnerable adults, or if you have a child with the respondent.

You can seek a Peace Order if you do not have a familial relationship with the abuser and they are not your parent, spouse, or are not related to you by adoption or blood. If you are not eligible for a Protective Order, you are likely eligible to file for a Peace Order against the alleged abuser.

• Kind Of Abuse:
  For a Protective Order to be issued, the abuse has to be an act that causes serious bodily harm, assault, stalking, false imprisonment, sexual offense, or an act that puts the petitioner in imminent serious bodily harm.
  In the case of a Peace Order, the range of abuse is broader and also includes certain offenses such as harassment.
• Where To File:
  You can file for a Protective Order in District Court or Circuit Court, and the petitioner can file the petition at any time after the act of abuse.
  Peace Orders can only be filed in District Court and the petition must be filed within 30 days of the abusive acts by the respondents.

Type Of Relief Offered:
If a Protective Order is granted, it may offer various types of relief, including prohibiting the respondent from contacting the petitioner, staying away from the petitioner’s residence and place of employment, and granting custody to the petitioner of any children in common between the parties. A Final Protective Order may be granted for up to twelve (12) months.

The court may order similar relief for a Peace Order. However, Peace Orders do not address custody of minor children because Peace Orders do not apply to parties who have minor children in common. A Final Peace Order may be granted for up to six (6) months, which is a shorter period of time than a Final Protective Order.

In both cases, you will be required to provide evidence to support your claims. You should work with a family law attorney who will help with filing the petition and presenting it in court in order to have your Protective Order or Peace Order granted.

Duration Of Protective Orders And Peace Orders

Peace and protection orders can be temporary or permanent, depending on the nature of the petition. Temporary orders have a short window, often lasting a few days or weeks, while final or permanent orders can last longer, depending on the type of Order you have.

Worried about your safety in a family conflict? Let us help you get the right order to ensure your safety.

Family members and spouses often go through various phases of conflict, and in some cases, you may feel like your safety and well-being is being threatened. Peace Orders and Protective Orders are among the best ways to create distance between yourself and the aggressor.

If you’ve been searching online for a “family lawyer near me” in Columbia, MD, you’re in the right place. Greenberg Legal Group LLC will dedicate our resources to providing quality representation focused on your individual needs. We take a client-focused approach with the aim of securing sustainable outcomes for everyone involved.

Are you seeking family law professionals who take you seriously and listen to you keenly? Contact us at (410) 650-4242, and let us help you get the legal assistance you need to start working through your family conflict.