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Legal Information: Maine

Restraining Orders

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Updated: 
November 28, 2023

What are the steps involved with obtaining a protection from harassment order?

The steps for obtaining a protection from harassment order will be similar to the steps for obtaining a protection from abuse order but you will fill out different forms. One major difference, however, is that in limited circumstances, you may have to first get law enforcement to issue a notice to stop the harassment against the harasser.1 See Under what circumstances would I need to request that law enforcement issue a notice to stop the harassment before applying for an order? for more information.

You must file in the district court of the division where either you or the harasser lives. If you have left your home to avoid harassment, you can file in the division where you used to live or where you live now.2 If you have left home to avoid harassment and want to keep your address confidential, filing in your new division may not be a good idea.

If your district court judge is not available or the courthouse is closed and you need an temporary order immediately, you can go to any other district court or to a superior court judge.3 The courts of the Passamaquoddy Tribe and Penobscot Nation also hear protection from harassment cases.4

1 5 M.R.S. § 4653(1)
2 5 M.R.S. § 4652
3 5 M.R.S. § 4654(3)
4 See Pine Tree Legal Assistance’s Protection from Harassment page