Protective Orders and Peace Orders are critical legal tools in Maryland that can have profound and far-reaching impacts on your personal and family life, as well as your freedom and reputation. Though terms like restraining orders and domestic violence protective orders (DVPOs) are often used, Maryland specifically employs protective and peace orders to address issues of abuse, harassment, stalking, and domestic violence. At Turnbull Brockmeyer Law Group, we offer dedicated representation to both petitioners seeking protection and respondents defending against these orders, as they can heavily influence divorce, child custody, and overall freedom in daily life.

Why Protective and Peace Orders Are Pivotal

The ramifications of a protective order or peace order extend well beyond immediate restrictions. These orders can serve as a starting point that shapes the entire trajectory of divorce proceedings and custody battles, affecting your access to your own property, your children’s school, their activities, and your general whereabouts. Once granted, a protective order can establish restrictions that dictate who can be in your home, who can see your children, and where you can go, impacting everything from your daily routines to long-term family dynamics. Strong legal representation is essential to safeguard your rights from the outset and prevent unintended consequences that can arise from these orders.

Consequences of Protective Orders

The consequences of a protective or peace order can be severe and life-altering, including:

Loss of Freedom on Your Own Property: You could be restricted from your home, limiting your ability to access your own residence, property, and even personal belongings. In disputes with neighbors, a peace order can prevent you from freely moving around your property or neighborhood, impacting your day-to-day freedom and quality of life.

Restrictions on Your Children’s Lives: A protective order can restrict your access to your children’s school, activities, and whereabouts, often giving the petitioner control over these aspects. This can heavily influence future custody arrangements, effectively setting a precedent for restricted parenting time or even supervised visits.

Immediate Financial Obligations: These orders can result in mandatory child support and alimony payments, potentially before a full hearing on these issues has taken place. This can create financial burdens that may influence divorce and custody proceedings down the line. Employment and Professional Risks: Protective orders can damage your employment prospects, especially in roles requiring security clearances, professional licenses, or those sensitive to issues of criminal records. You may be at risk of job loss, suspension, or revocation of licenses necessary for your career.

Impact on Your Children’s Activities: These orders can limit your ability to participate in your children’s lives, such as attending their school events, sports games, and other activities, creating emotional and relational distance that may be challenging to repair.

The Importance of Strong Legal Representation

At Turnbull Brockmeyer Law Group, we recognize that protective and peace orders are often sought as a tactical measure in contentious divorce and custody disputes, sometimes as a shortcut to control parenting time, school decisions, and even financial support. Our attorneys are skilled in understanding how these orders influence broader legal proceedings and can provide strategic support whether you are seeking protection or defending against an order.

For petitioners, we assist in compiling compelling evidence, completing paperwork, and representing you in court to ensure that your safety and rights are fully protected. For respondents, we rigorously challenge the evidence and defend your rights, recognizing that these orders can be misused to restrict your freedom and influence future custody and divorce outcomes. We are committed to preserving your access to your children, residence, and daily activities, and to defending against unfair restrictions that impact your freedom.

Our team brings together extensive experience and a collaborative approach, providing a powerful defense for those facing restrictive orders. We work to mitigate the consequences and to secure outcomes that protect your rights and maintain your freedom.