Restraining Orders

To change (modify) your final protection from harassment order, you will need to make a motion to the court and the harasser must be notified. The court will have a hearing and may modify the terms of an existing order if circumstances have changed and the judge believes there is a good reason to change the order.¹

Note: Once you get a temporary order, a harasser may ask the court to end (terminate) or change (modify) the temporary order and must only give you two days’ notice before the court date.² The court may also have the final hearing on the protection from harassment order at the same time it hears the harasser’s request to vacate or modify the temporary order.³

To extend your protection from harassment order, you will need to file a “Motion to Extend.” The Maine courts website recommends filing your motion 30 days before the expiration date so that there is no gap in protection.³ The judge may extend your order for additional time if a judge believes that is necessary to protect you from harassment.

¹ 5 M.R.S. § 4655(2)
² 5 M.R.S. § 4654(6)
³ A Guide to Protection from Abuse & Harassment Cases on the Maine Courts website