While everyone hopes that none of their relationships ever reaches this point, there are times in life where domestic legal services such as a restraining order may be necessary. If you currently find yourself at a point where you think a Maryland restraining order would be in your best interest, this blog post may provide you with some valuable information. It’s a good idea to know what to expect before even starting the process. Let’s take a look at some keys to keep in mind when pursuing a restraining order in Maryland.
Which Type is Relevant?
Depending on the situation at hand, you are going to want to obtain one of two types of restraining orders. The first is a Domestic Violence Protective Order, which is what you will need if you have been a victim of domestic violence in the past. These types of orders cover those with whom you have had a domestic relationship with, such as a spouse, ex-spouse, relative, etc. On the other hand, if you need an order to protect you from someone with whom you do not have a domestic relationship, you will instead want a Peace Order. This type of order can be issued against a complete stranger, a co-worker, or even a friend.
Proof is Essential
As you might imagine, a judge is not simply going to hand you a restraining order just because you ask for one. The issuance of such an order is going to affect the other party, so you will need to present proof to the judge that this order is necessary. The type of proof necessary is going to depend largely on the circumstances at hand. Only when you can submit sufficient evidence will your request for an order be likely to succeed.
It is worth noting that you may be able to do a better job of presenting evidence if you work with a legal professional. You don’t necessarily need to have an attorney to get a restraining order issued but doing so is likely to make it easier for you to assemble and present your evidence. It is likely that you have not gone through this situation before, so an experienced lawyer could be quite a help.
Important Protection
At the end of the day, the idea behind a restraining order – whether a Peace Order or a Domestic Violence Protective Order – is to offer you some degree of additional safety. While there is nothing that can be done to guarantee anyone’s safety, of course, holding a restraining order does put the law on your side. You will have the legal right to keep the individual in question away from you, and possibly other people who are listed on the order. Also, if the order is a protective order, it may allow for you to obtain financial support or custody rights, on a temporary basis.
If you feel that you need a restraining order in Maryland, don’t delay. Consider speaking with a lawyer right away to evaluate your case and proceed as necessary.