What are Protective Orders in Domestic Violence Cases?

If you have been abused, or are currently experiencing abuse, you may be lost as to how to get free from the abusive relationship and protect yourself and your family. A protective order may protect you from the violence you are experiencing and can be a powerful legal tool. 

If you have been accused of domestic violence, you could be facing serious legal consequences which may include having to leave your home, incarceration, and other restrictions. We have the experience to help pursue and defend against protective orders and will advocate to protect your rights and personal safety.

If you are seeking a protective order or have been served with a protective order, we encourage you to seek our assistance as soon as possible. Domestic violence victims can seek protection from the court seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. A victim of domestic violence can seek protection on behalf of the their self and/or the minor children by filing a Petition for Protective Order. Relief may be granted on a temporary basis from the Commissioner or Judge whiled the alleged abuser is served and mounts their defense. If the Petitioner shows that there is a statutory basis for the protective order, the court may grant a Final Protective Order for up to 365 days. 

Both the Petitioner and the Respondent should seek representation by a skilled attorney who understands the laws, rules of evidence, and possible outcomes of a Final Protective Order. For the Petitioner, a Final Protective Order may protect them from a lethal situation and provide protection for their immediate safety. The alleged perpetrators may be forced to leave their homes, have limited contact with the Petitioner, lose custody of their children, and may have to pay emergency family maintenance. Respondents may also face criminal charges and the loss of their security clearance and right to possess firearms. 

While protective orders play an important role in protecting victims of domestic violence, some people use protective orders as a tool to obtain an advantage in their divorce case. Domestic violence allegation are very serious and we are experienced in representing parties on both side of the issue. 

Protective and peace order cases require more than knowing the law — they require preparation, strategic advocacy, attention to detail, and the ability to guide clients through highly emotional and often urgent situations with clarity and confidence.

In these cases, trauma-informed advocacy matters. Clients seeking protection are often navigating fear, uncertainty, and the emotional impact of difficult experiences while simultaneously trying to understand a fast-moving legal process. Effective representation means creating an environment where clients feel heard, respected, and prepared, while also advocating strongly on their behalf in court.

Whether addressing evidentiary challenges, emergency hearings, custody-related concerns, or enforcement issues, effective advocacy can have an immediate impact on a client’s safety, stability, and future.

I remain committed to combining strong courtroom advocacy with a trauma-informed approach that recognizes both the legal and human dimensions of protective and peace order litigation. Staying current on developments in Maryland practice helps ensure clients receive informed, thoughtful, and effective representation when it matters most.

Written by Michelle M. Gohary, Esq.

Updated June 4, 2026