Maryland judges can order payment for losses caused by abuse

Judges may require the person subject to a final protective order to pay for losses or expenses directly caused by abuse. Payment goes to someone eligible for protection and may cover treatment costs, property damage, and other expenses directly caused by abuse. The judge decides whether to award payment and sets the payment deadline. The person seeking protection may bring a later claim for additional losses or expenses not awarded in the final protective order. This change took effect October 1, 2026.

Temporary protective orders normally last up to 14 days from the date the court issues them. Courts must normally hold the final hearing within that period. These deadlines apply to temporary protective orders and hearings to decide whether to issue final protective orders. Judges may extend temporary orders to allow delivery of the order, provide protection, or for other good cause, up to six months. Courts may delay the final hearing for good cause. If the court is closed when the temporary order expires, protection lasts until the second day the court is open. The final hearing must occur by that day. The revised deadlines took effect October 1, 2026.