Know the Laws: Maine
UPDATED February 24, 2012
A restraining order or protective order is a legal order issued by a state court which requires one person to stop harming another. In Maine, there are protection from abuse orders for domestic violence victims or for elderly, dependent, or incapacitated adults, as well as harassment orders, which are explained below.
- Overview of Civil vs. Criminal Law
Some restraining orders are issued in criminal court and some are issued in civil court.
- Protection from Abuse Orders (for domestic violence victims)
A civil order that protects you from harm by a family or household member or dating partner.
- Protection from Abuse Orders (for the elderly/dependent/incapacitated)
A civil order for adults who are over 60, dependent, or incapacited and who are being abused by an extended family member or an unpaid caregiver.
- Harassment Orders
If you, your family, or your business has been harassed, you may be able to get a protection from harassment order against the harasser regardless of his/her relationship to you.
- Moving to Another State with a Protection from Abuse Order
Your ME protection order can be enforceable in another state.
- Enforcing your Out-of-State Order in ME
If you are planning to move to ME or are going to be in ME for any reason, your protection or restraining order may be enforced.