Rule 9-301.Applicability
Last amended July 1, 2026 · Current through June 1, 2026 · Last verified September 8, 2026
Full Text of Rule 9-301
Amendment History
Maryland publishes each rule’s adoption and amendment record as a bracketed “Credits” note beneath the rule, giving the date of each Rules Order and the date it took effect. It is reproduced verbatim below.
[Adopted March 2, 2015, eff. July 1, 2015. Amended Feb. 23, 2026, eff. July 1, 2026.]
Plain-English Summary
Protective order procedure is short because most of it lives in the statute. This rule marks out where these rules apply at all: to actions brought solely under the domestic violence subtitle of the Family Law Article.
A committee note draws the boundary the other way. If the same relief is sought as part of a criminal case, a divorce, or another action, the rules governing that action prevail. A protective order asked for inside a divorce is a divorce application.
A cross reference points to the neighbouring remedy. Someone who is not a “person eligible for relief” as the statute defines that term cannot use this chapter, and instead seeks a peace order — under one rule and statute if the respondent is an adult, and another if not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these rules apply if I ask for a protective order in my divorce case?
No. The committee note states that where relief is sought as part of a criminal, divorce or other action, the rules governing that action prevail. Chapter 300 applies to actions brought solely under the domestic violence subtitle.
What if I am not eligible for a protective order?
The cross reference points to peace orders, available for the protection of someone who is not a “person eligible for relief” under the domestic violence statute.