There are times in life where you need protection from a person who is violent or has threatened harm to you or your child. For these times, the law offers protective orders and peace orders. These orders protect you and your loved ones from dangerous people, and today, we’re going to take a closer look at them in Maryland.
What Makes These Orders the Same?
Both of these orders will protect you from the actions of another person. They are generally used to keep an individual from coming into contact with you, causing you harm, or making threats of violence. They can be employed in temporary or continuous circumstances depending on what you need. Not only that, but both orders also offer forms of relief for the victim as needed.
However, the specifics of each order change their purpose slightly.
What is a Peace Order?
A peace order is used to protect you from coworkers, friends, and anyone who isn’t specifically a family member. Though both orders protect you from the person’s contact, a peace order also outlaws criminal harassment, trespassing, and malicious destruction of property.
This type of order is only handled by the district court and must be filed within 30 days of the incident. There is a filing fee as well as a service fee for the order. Though some relief is offered such as counseling and having the respondent pay for fees. The judge will only offer what is necessary to protect the petitioner.
What is a Protective Order?
A protective order is used to bar a family member, spouse, or co-parent from making contact with you or your loved ones. Vulnerable adults, cohabitants, and people who have had sexual relations within the past year can also file for protective orders.
A protective order goes far beyond in terms of relief offered to the petitioner. Under a protective order, the courts can award temporary custody, order the abuser to leave the jointly-inhabited home, order the respondent to surrender all firearms, and any other form of relief the judge deems necessary.
Alan Billian Can Help You Determine Which is Right For You
If you’re in a serious situation and you’re not sure how to proceed, then call on the aid of a trusted divorce lawyer in Maryland. Billian Law is your partner for family law matters. We can help you get the protection you need for you and your children.
