🛡️ What to Do Immediately After Being Served with a Temporary Protective Order in Maryland

Family Law

5 Steps If You Are Served with Interim or Temporary Protective Order in Maryland

If you’ve been served with an interim or temporary protective order in Maryland, your response in the first 24–48 hours can be crucial. Whether a temporary order was issued ex parte by a judge or by the Commissioner after an interim hearing, you now face legal restrictions that may affect your housing, custody, security clearance, employment, and reputation. Here’s what to do if you are served with a temporary protective order in Maryland.

Contact our Protective Order lawyer through our “Contact Page” or call us direct at (301) 309-0660

Step 1: Read the Order Carefully

Interim and Temporary Protective orders in Maryland are governed by the Family Law Article § 4-501 through § 4-512 of the Maryland Code. These statutes define:

- Who qualifies for protection

- What relief the court may grant

- How long orders can last

You can review the full statute here:
Maryland Family Law § 4-501 et seq. – Protective Orders

Typical restrictions in Interim or Temporary Protective Order include:

- No-contact provisions (direct or indirect)

- Stay-away zones (home, work, school)

- Temporary custody or visitation restrictions

- Firearm surrender requirements under Public Safety § 5-601

Review the interim or temporary protective order that was served on you line by line. Note the hearing date for the final protective order hearing—this is your opportunity to contest or negotiate terms.

Step 2: Contact a Protective Order Lawyer in Montgomery County

Time is critical. Interim and temporary orders can become final in days. Kamkari Law has represented respondents and petitioners in Montgomery County for over 25 years. We understand the nuances of Maryland family law and protective order defense.

Call to Schedule a confidential consultation with our Temporary Protective Order Lawyer
Or Visit Our Page for Protective Order Lawyer in Montgomery County

Step 3: Preserve Evidence for Your Final Protective Order Hearing

Your defense may hinge on documents, photos, an witnesses. Save:

- Texts, emails, call logs

- Social media posts

- GPS or calendar records

- Witness names and contact info

If the allegations are false or exaggerated, evidence matters. Kamkari Law can help you organize and present them effectively.

Step 4: Follow the Interim or Temporary Protective Order Strictly

Even if you disagree with the allegations, do not violate the order. Maryland courts take violations seriously, and there is a specific statute that makes such violations a crime in Maryland. MD Code, Fam Law section 4-508.

Contact our Protective Order lawyer through our “Contact Page” or call us direct at (301) 309-0660

Step 5: Prepare for Your Final Protective Order Hearing

Protective order hearings move fast. You’ll need:

- A clear narrative

- Supporting documents

- Legal arguments tailored to Maryland law

If your Temporary Protective Order sets your Final Protective Order Hearing in one of the Montgomery County courts in Rockville or Silver Spring, consider local counsel for strategic advantage:
Silver Spring Protective Order Lawyer
Rockville Protective Order Attorney

What NOT to Do After Being Served with a Protective Order in Maryland

A single misstep after being served with a protective order can lead to arrest or criminal charges. Here are the biggest mistakes to avoid:

Do NOT contact the petitioner—even if they reach out
Do NOT post about the case on social media
Do NOT ignore firearm surrender requirements
Do NOT assume the order will “go away”

Don’t discuss your case or what happened WITH ANYONE except an attorney who is bound to keep your information confidential. When you try to explain to friends and family what happened, they may find themselves served with a subpoena to come to court and be a witness against you! Your statements to friends and family members are considered an admission and your friends and family members can be compelled to testify against you!

Violating any protective order including an Interim and/or Temporary Protective Order—even unintentionally—can have serious consequences. If you’re unsure what counts as a violation, speak with a Rockville protective order attorney today.