Maine Protection From Abuse Lawyers

Protection from Abuse Orders in Maine: Legal Help When You Need It Most

If you’re experiencing threats, harassment, or abuse from a partner, spouse, or family member, a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order in Maine can provide legal protection and peace of mind. These court-issued orders—also known as restraining orders or no-contact orders—are designed to help keep victims safe by placing legally enforceable restrictions on the alleged abuser.

At The Maine Divorce Group, our compassionate family law attorneys help individuals throughout Maine file for, respond to, and navigate Protection from Abuse orders with clarity and confidence. Whether you need immediate legal protection or have been served with a PFA and don’t know where to turn, we’re here to help.

Understanding how these orders work—and how they can impact your parental rights, living arrangements, or divorce case—is critical. Our team will walk you through every step of the process and advocate for your safety, your rights, and your future.

What Is a Protection from Abuse Order in Maine?

A Protection from Abuse (PFA) order is a civil court order issued by a Maine District Court to protect individuals from abuse, threats, stalking, harassment, or other forms of domestic violence. These orders are often sought in situations involving spouses, former partners, co-parents, or household members—but they can also apply to dating relationships and certain family members.

A PFA can prohibit the abusive party (the “defendant”) from:

• Contacting or approaching you in person, online, or through third parties
• Entering your home, workplace, or school
• Possessing firearms or other weapons
• Harassing or threatening you in any form

In many cases, emergency protection can be granted the same day, followed by a hearing where the court decides whether a long-term order (up to 2 years or more) should be issued.

While PFAs are civil orders—not criminal charges—violating a PFA is a criminal offense and can lead to arrest, fines, or jail time.

At The Maine Divorce Group, we help individuals file for PFAs with the correct paperwork, guide them through the court process, and advocate for long-term protection when needed. If you’ve been served with a PFA, we also provide legal defense and guidance to ensure your rights are respected.

How to Get a Protection from Abuse Order in Maine

If you are experiencing domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, or other forms of abuse, you have the right to request a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order through the Maine District Court system. This legal tool is designed to help protect you—and in some cases, your children—from further harm.

Where to File for a PFA Order

You can file for a Protection from Abuse order in the District Court located in:

• The town or county where you live
• The town or county where the abuser lives
• The town or county where you’ve fled for safety

If a judge is unavailable at one of these courts, another nearby court may be able to issue the emergency order on your behalf.

What You’ll Need to Do

To begin the process, you will be asked to complete a sworn affidavit or form that details the abuse you’ve experienced. It’s important to be as specific and thorough as possible, including:

• Dates and times of each incident
• Locations where the abuse occurred
• Descriptions of what happened (verbal threats, physical violence, stalking, etc.)
• Any witnesses or supporting evidence you may have

You’ll also need to check all the boxes on the form that might apply to your situation—even if you’re unsure. It’s easier for the court to remove unnecessary claims than to add them later. Missing or incomplete information can result in limited protection or delays in your case.

At The Maine Divorce Group, our family law attorneys help individuals prepare accurate and compelling PFA filings. We’re here to walk you through each step, from filling out the paperwork to representing you at your court hearing.

What a Protection from Abuse Order Includes in Maine

A Protection from Abuse (PFA) order in Maine outlines specific legal restrictions designed to safeguard the person seeking protection—often a spouse, partner, or parent—from further harm. If the defendant (the person the order is against) violates any part of the order, they may face serious legal consequences, including fines, arrest, or jail time.

Common Provisions in a Maine Protection Order

Each PFA order is tailored to the circumstances of the case, but typical conditions may include:

• No contact of any kind, including calls, texts, social media, or third-party communication
• Prohibition on harassing, stalking, threatening, or physically harming the protected person, their children, or even household pets
• Restrictions from visiting the home, workplace, or school of the protected person
• Temporary orders related to child custody, visitation, child support, and spousal maintenance
• Temporary pet custody decisions
• Mandated attendance in a certified domestic violence intervention program or counseling
• Prohibition from owning or possessing firearms or dangerous weapons
• Provisions for the division of personal property, household items, and vehicles
• Prevention from damaging or removing shared property
• Requirement to pay medical bills, legal fees, and other expenses resulting from the abuse
• Termination of joint life insurance policies, if applicable

Duration of a Protection from Abuse Order

• A temporary PFA order is often granted immediately upon filing and remains in effect until the court hearing for a long-term order.
• A final PFA order can last up to two years, and in some cases, it can be extended if the court believes continued protection is warranted.

At The Maine Divorce Group, our attorneys are here to help you understand what protections may apply to your situation and how to request the safeguards you need. Whether you’re filing for a PFA or need to respond to one, we’ll help ensure your rights and safety are fully addressed.

Contact The Maine Divorce Group for Trusted Help with Protection Orders

If you need to file a Protection from Abuse (PFA) order in Maine—or you’ve been served with one—you’re facing a serious legal matter that can directly impact your safety, family, and divorce proceedings. These cases are often emotionally charged and legally complex, which is why having a knowledgeable Maine family law attorney by your side is essential.

At The Maine Divorce Group, we help clients across Maine navigate PFA orders with care, urgency, and legal precision. Whether you’re seeking protection or defending your rights, we’ll guide you through the process and advocate for your best outcome—every step of the way.

If you’re looking for reliable legal guidance near you, don’t wait. Schedule your confidential consultation with The Maine Divorce Group today and get the support you need to move forward safely and securely.