Maryland Temporary Protective Orders Now Last 14 Days: What Changed on October 1

How Maryland handles its temporary protective orders shifted as of October 1. While Temporary Protective Orders (TPOs) used to last approximately seven days they now last 14 days. This helps better protect those facing abuse, threats, and violence. It also creates a clear structure for how the case will move forward. 

At RPM Law, our Maryland protective order attorneys are here to help. We help you with protective orders from the temporary orders stage and beyond. Get in touch with our team to learn how we can help.         

What Temporary Protective Orders Are Designed to Do

A Temporary Protective Order is an emergency court order issued after a court determines that a person needs immediate protection. TPOs can require the respondent to:

• Stop contacting or threatening the petitioner
• Stay away from the petitioner’s home, job, or school
• Leave a shared residence
• Surrender firearms
• Follow other safety‑related restrictions

These orders bridge the gap between the initial filing and the full hearing for a Final Protective Order.

Before October 1, Maryland TPOs typically lasted seven days, with the possibility of short extensions. Now, the default duration is 14 days, giving victims more time to prepare for the next steps.

What Changed on October 1

Temporary Protective Orders now remain in effect for 14 days instead of seven.

This extension applies to:

• Protective Orders involving family or household members
• Peace Orders involving non‑domestic relationships
• Cases filed through commissioners after hours
• Cases involving dating partners, co‑parents, roommates, and vulnerable adults

The law change also clarifies how to extend a TPO beyond that 14-day limit when necessary. Your attorney can help with that process when it is necessary. 

Why Maryland Extended Temporary Protective Orders

Lawmakers expanded the duration to address several recurring problems in protective‑order cases:

1. Service Delays

Respondents have to be formally served before the case can go forward to a final hearing. Under the old deadline, service rarely occurred quickly enough. This left victims unprotected or forced court’s to issue extensions. 

2. Court Scheduling Constraints

Maryland courts were overburdened with protective order cases to fit them all in within a 7-day window. The 14-day window provides more flexibility. 

3. Victim Safety and Stability

The first days after filing are often the most dangerous. Doubling the duration of TPOs gives victims more time to:

• Find safe housing
• Arrange childcare
• Seek counseling 
• Seek support services
• Work with an attorney 
• Gather evidence for the final hearing

4. Alignment With Other States

Many states already use 14‑day temporary orders. Maryland’s change brings its system closer to national norms.

How the New 14‑Day Timeline Works

Once a court issues a Temporary Protective Order:

• The order takes effect immediately.
• Law enforcement attempts to serve the respondent.
• The court schedules a final hearing within the 14‑day window.
• The TPO remains active until the hearing date.

If the respondent has not been served by the hearing date, the court may extend the TPO and reschedule the hearing. Extensions are common and do not require the petitioner to re‑file.

What This Means for Petitioners

The extended timeline is very helpful for several reasons:

• More time to prepare for the final hearing. 
• More time to secure legal help. 
• More stability during a crisis. 
• Less pressure to rush decisions. 

What This Means for Respondents

Respondents also benefit from a clearer, more predictable process:

• More time to obtain legal counsel. 
• More time to prepare evidence. 
• A more orderly court process. 

The new law does not change the fact that respondents must obey the TPO immediately once served.

Learn More About Protective Orders in Maryland and How They Can Help Protect You

The new law extends the length of temporary protective orders to better protect those facing current harm, threats, and violence. Those additional seven days make a massive difference to the individuals and families who need them.

Our team at RPM Law are ready to help with your family law and protective order needs. Contact us today for a consultation.