How to Get a Protection From Abuse Order in Maine
Information for Maine survivors seeking a Protection From Abuse order (PFA) after domestic violence.
How Maine’s Protection From Abuse (PFA) Process Works
What a Protection From Abuse (PFA) Is
A Protection From Abuse (PFA) order in Maine is a court order meant to help a person stay safer from someone who has been abusive, threatening, or stalking. It is a civil order, not a criminal charge, but it can lead to criminal consequences if the order is violated.
A PFA can set clear rules about contact, communication, and living arrangements. The goal is to reduce the chance of further harm and to give the survivor more space to make decisions about next steps.
Who May Qualify for a PFA in Maine
Maine law sets out specific relationships where a PFA may be available. In plain language, people who may qualify often include:
- Current or former intimate partners (including dating partners)
- Spouses or ex-spouses
- People who live together or used to live together in the same household
- People who share a child together
- Certain family members, such as parents, children, or others related by blood or marriage, depending on circumstances
The exact rules can be detailed and may change over time. If someone is unsure whether their relationship qualifies, it is usually helpful to speak with a Maine legal aid office, an advocate at a local domestic violence program, or a court clerk for general information.
Relationship rules and definitions can be technical. A brief conversation with a legal aid office or advocate in Maine can clarify whether a PFA is an option in a specific situation.
Where to File and Who Can Help
PFA cases are usually filed in the Maine District Court serving the area where the survivor lives, where the abusive person lives, or where the abuse took place. Court clerks can explain the basic process and provide blank forms, but they cannot give legal advice.
People seeking a PFA often get help from:
- Domestic violence advocates – Many local organizations have trained advocates who can help with safety planning, explain the PFA process in everyday language, and sometimes go to court for emotional support.
- Legal aid organizations – Some low‑cost or free legal services in Maine may assist with PFA applications or provide limited legal advice about options.
- Private lawyers – For those who can, hiring a lawyer can offer more detailed legal guidance, though it is not required to file a PFA.
- Court clerks – Clerks can provide forms, explain court procedures, and help with basic questions about filing and scheduling, though they must stay neutral.
Support options in Maine change over time. Up‑to‑date contact details for services across the U.S., including Maine, may be found through resources listed at https://www.dv.support.
Starting the PFA Process
The process usually begins with filling out court forms that describe what has been happening and what protections are being requested. These forms often include:
- A main complaint or petition explaining the situation in simple language
- Information about the relationship with the other person
- Any children or other people who may need protection
- Specific protections the survivor is asking the court to order
Once the forms are completed and signed, they are filed with the court. There may or may not be a filing fee, and sometimes fees can be waived, especially in abuse cases. Court staff or local advocates may know whether fee waivers are available.
Temporary and Emergency Orders
When someone files for a PFA, they can usually ask for a temporary, or “ex parte,” order. This is a short-term order the judge can grant based only on the survivor’s written statement and, sometimes, a brief meeting with the judge, without the other person present.
If the judge believes there is an immediate risk of abuse or danger, the judge may issue a temporary PFA. A temporary PFA might include conditions such as:
- Ordering the other person not to contact or come near the survivor
- Allowing the survivor to stay in a shared home, at least for now
- Temporary rules about children, like where they stay and who has temporary parental rights and responsibilities
- Restrictions on firearms or other items, depending on the case
Emergency procedures can vary by courthouse and by time of day. In some areas, a judge can issue an emergency order after regular court hours through special on‑call processes.
Serving the PFA Papers
After a temporary order is granted, the other person usually must be officially “served” with the paperwork. Service is how the court makes sure the person knows about:
- The temporary order and its conditions
- The date and time of the full court hearing
- Any other important instructions from the court
In Maine, service is typically done by law enforcement, such as a sheriff’s office or local police, rather than by the survivor. Court staff usually send the papers to the appropriate law enforcement agency to complete service, although the exact method can vary by county.
Survivors generally do not need to hand the papers directly to the other person, which can reduce immediate safety risks. If someone is worried about being found or located, it may help to raise this concern with a clerk or advocate when filing.
The Full PFA Hearing
A full PFA hearing is usually scheduled within a set time after the temporary order is issued. At that hearing, both sides have a chance to appear in front of the judge. The judge may:
- Hear brief testimony from each person
- Review any documents, messages, or other evidence offered
- Listen to witnesses, if the court allows them and they are present
After the hearing, the judge decides whether to issue a longer-term PFA, to change the temporary order, or to dismiss the case. Sometimes, the parties may reach an agreement, which the judge reviews to make sure it is appropriate.
A person seeking a PFA can generally bring an advocate or support person to court, although rules about who may sit beside them or speak may vary. Lawyers can represent either side, but legal representation is not required.
Types of Relief a Maine PFA May Include
If the court grants a PFA, the order can include many different kinds of protections, depending on the situation. Common types of relief include:
- No‑contact and stay‑away provisions – The abusive person may be ordered not to contact the survivor in any way and to stay a certain distance away from the survivor’s home, work, school, or other locations.
- Exclusive use of the residence – The court may give the survivor the right to stay in a shared home while the order is in effect, and may require the other person to move out, even if their name is on the lease or deed.
- Protection for children – The order can include temporary arrangements about where children live, who can see them, and under what conditions (for example, supervised visits).
- Limits on communication – The order may restrict certain types of communication, including phone calls, texts, emails, social media contact, or sending messages through third parties.
- Firearms and weapons conditions – The court may order the abusive person to surrender firearms or other specific items, depending on the case and applicable law.
- Other tailored conditions – Depending on the situation, a PFA may include other conditions meant to reduce risk, such as not damaging property or not interfering with the survivor’s work or schooling.
The exact protections in a PFA depend on what the survivor requests, what the judge believes is supported by the information presented, and current Maine law. It is usually helpful to describe specific safety concerns clearly on the forms and at the hearing.
How Long a PFA Can Last
In Maine, a full PFA order can usually last for a set period of time, often up to a few years. The exact length depends on what the judge decides in each case. Some orders are shorter; some may be longer, if the court believes it is necessary under the law.
As an order approaches its end date, there may be options to ask the court to extend it, but timing and requirements are specific. Survivors who are considering an extension often speak with a lawyer, legal aid office, or advocate in advance to understand what the court may require.
Checking Details With Local Maine Legal Help
Because laws and court practices can change, and every situation is different, it is important to check current information with local Maine resources. Helpful contacts may include:
- Maine legal aid organizations that focus on family law or domestic abuse
- Local domestic violence or sexual violence support centres
- Court self‑help centres or information desks, where available
These services can clarify eligibility, help understand the forms and hearings, and explain what to expect in a specific part of Maine. They cannot promise specific outcomes, but they can often make the process easier to navigate.