Rule 9-303.Petition
Last amended July 1, 2023 · Current through June 1, 2026 · Last verified September 8, 2026
Full Text of Rule 9-303
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 April 1, 2023, eff. July 1, 2023.]
Plain-English Summary
Abuse does not keep court hours, and this rule is built around that. A petitioner may seek relief from abuse by filing a petition complying with the statute in either the District Court or a circuit court — the choice is the petitioner's.
When neither the circuit court clerk's office nor the District Court clerk's office is open for business, the petition may be filed with a commissioner of the District Court instead. Commissioners are available at all hours, which is what makes an interim protective order possible overnight and at weekends.
A cross reference notes that the statute permits electronic filing of petitions and remote electronic participation by video conferencing from certain locations — so a petitioner may not have to travel to a courthouse to be heard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I file for a protective order in Maryland?
With the District Court or a circuit court. If neither clerk's office is open for business, the petition may be filed with a District Court commissioner.
What do I do at night or at the weekend?
File with a commissioner of the District Court. That is the exception the rule provides for when neither clerk's office is open.
Can I file electronically or appear remotely?
The cross reference points to the statutory provisions permitting electronic filing of petitions and remote electronic participation by video conferencing from certain locations.