Protective Orders in Maryland — Peace Order vs. Protective Order, and What’s Changing

Maryland offers two types of civil protective orders. Protective Orders and Peace Orders can both help protect you, but do so in different ways. They apply to different types of relationships and have different requirements before they can be granted. Recent changes also impact how these orders work and how long they last, which take effect in several months.  

At RPM Law, our Maryland family law attorneys help you with peace orders and protective orders. Our skilled attorneys understand the impact these can have and how to help.         

Maryland Has Two Types of Civil Protective Orders

Maryland’s system is unique because it separates protective relief into two categories:

• Protective Orders
• Peace Orders

Both types can help protect you. They can tell an abuser to stay away, follow court orders, and not contact you. Eligibility for these orders depends on your relationship with that other person. Understanding how the rules work is critical to getting the protection you deserve. 

Protective Orders: Who They Are For

A Protective Order is appropriate if your relationship with the other person qualifies under the law. Your relationship qualifies if you:

• are married, divorced, or currently separated;
• are related by marriage, blood or adoption (this includes stepparents and stepchildren if they have lived with you for at least 90 days in the past year);
• have lived together in a sexual relationship for at least 90 days in the past year;
• are the parents of a child together;
• have had a sexual relationship with each other in the past year;
• are a vulnerable adult;
• were raped or sexually assaulted by the other person (including attempts) in the past six months.

What a Protective Order Can Do

A judge may order the other person to:

• Stop abusing, threatening, or harassing you
• Stay away from your home, job, or school
• Leave a shared residence
• Surrender firearms
• Avoid all contact
• Pay emergency family maintenance
• Return personal property

Peace Orders: For Those Outside Domestic Relationships

A Peace Order is available when the person causing harm is not a family or household member. You may request a Peace Order against:

• Neighbors
• Co-workers
• Classmates
• Acquaintances
• Strangers
• Anyone you do not have a qualifying domestic relationship with

Peace Orders cover many of the same harmful behaviors as Protective Orders, including:

• Harassment
• Stalking
• Threats
• Assault
• Misuse of electronic communication
• Revenge porn
• Trespassing

What a Peace Order Can Do

A Peace Order can tell the other person to:

• Stop contacting, harassing, or threatening you
• Stay away from your home, job, or school
• Stop specific harmful behaviors

What Are the Biggest Differences Between Peace Orders and Protective Orders?

Both types of orders can offer you protection, but there are differences:

• Eligibility: Protective Orders require that you have a specific type of relationship with the respondent. Peace orders don’t have that requirement.
• Relief Available: Protective Orders offer more protections than Peace Orders, usually related to the family dynamic.
• Duration: Protective Orders can last longer than Peace Orders.
• Firearm Restrictions: Mandatory firearm surrender applies more broadly in Protective Order cases.

What’s Changing in Maryland’s Protective-Order System

Maryland recently passed an update to temporary protective orders. Currently, orders last for not more than 7 days after the date of issuance. This incredibly short timeline makes it difficult to provide adequate protections or time to serve the other party with the order.

Effective October 1, 2026, temporary protective orders will last 14 days after issuance. The final hearing must then be held no later than those 14 days to determine if the order should continue. This provides more time to protect victims.

How to Get a Peace Order or Protective Order in Maryland

You can file for either order at:

• The District Court during business hours
• The Circuit Court if you are seeking a Protective Order
• A District Court Commissioner’s office after hours or on weekends

In emergencies, you can request an Interim Order immediately, even if the courts are closed. Temporary Protective Orders are available during court hours, and Final Orders follow after a hearing.

Seek Help With Maryland Protective Orders

If you are dealing with domestic violence, stalking, or other acts causing you concern, a protective order may be right for you. Knowing the difference between the forms and the changes that are coming can help you protect your rights. 

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