Restraining Orders

You can file for a protection from abuse order based on acts of abuse done to you or your minor child by a family or household member or dating partner, defined as:

• your current or former spouse;
• someone with whom you have a child in common;
• someone with whom who you live/d;
• your current or former sexual partner;
• someone you are related to by blood or marriage;
• someone you are currently dating or formerly dated regardless of whether or not you had a sexual relationship.¹

An adult or a minor can file for a protection from abuse order against anyone, regardless of the relationship who has committed one of the acts of abuse² explained in What is the legal definition of abuse in Maine?

If you are 60 years of age or older, a dependent adult, or an incapacitated adult, you can also file for a protection from abuse order against an extended family member or an unpaid care provider.³ For more information, see our Protection from Abuse Orders (for the elderly/dependent/incapacitated) page.

If you are not eligible based on the information above, see our Protection from Harassment Orders section to see if you qualify for that order.

¹ ME ST T. 19-A § 4102(6)
² ME ST T. 19-A § 4103(1)(B)
³ ME ST T. 19-A § 4103(3)