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Rule 9-305.Temporary protective order

Last amended July 1, 2015 · Current through June 1, 2026 · Last verified September 8, 2026

In one sentenceRule 9-305 provides that only a judge may issue or extend a temporary protective order.

Full Text of Rule 9-305

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Only a judge may issue or extend a temporary protective order. Temporary protective orders are governed by Code, Family Law Article, § 4-505.
Source: This Rule is new.
End

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.]

Plain-English Summary

The middle tier. A temporary protective order follows the interim order once a judge is available, and only a judge may issue one — or extend one that already exists.

The extension power matters in practice more than it looks. Where a respondent cannot be served, the final protective order hearing is repeatedly rescheduled, and the temporary order has to be extended each time to keep the petitioner protected in the meantime. Rule 9-306 addresses what that means for the petitioner's own obligation to attend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who issues a temporary protective order?

Only a judge. A commissioner issues the interim order; a judge issues the temporary and final orders.

Can a temporary protective order be extended?

Yes, by a judge. The rule gives the power to issue or extend a temporary protective order to a judge alone.

Why would a temporary order need extending?

Most often because the respondent has not been served and the final protective order hearing has to be rescheduled. Rule 9-306 deals with the petitioner's attendance at those repeated hearings.

Source & verification. The rule text and amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the Maryland Rules, Title 9 — Family Law Actions (Md. Rule 9-305). Adopted by the Supreme Court of Maryland. The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified September 8, 2026. · Official source
Also known as: temporary protective order Marylandjudge issues temporary orderextend temporary protective order