COVID-19 Information UpdateMaryland courts are currently closed to the public; however, the courts will continue to hear certain types of emergency matters. Domestic Violence and Peace Orders Call first to provide information and for instructions on where to go. Once the commissioner issues an interim order, a judge will determine whether the next hearing must be heard in person, can be heard with remote electronic participation, can be scheduled after the emergency period has ended, or can be resolved without a hearing. More information for the public is available on the Maryland Courts website. The District Court of Maryland's Communication Regarding Domestic Violence Protective Orders, Peace Orders and Extreme Risk Protective Orders provides more information about hearing dates and interim orders. |
The Petitioner or the Respondent may file a written request to shield (that is, to remove from public view) the court records relating to a Protective Order or a Peace Order if:
- The Petition for a Protective Order or the Petition for a Peace Order is denied or dismissed at the interim, temporary, or final hearing; OR
- The Respondent has consented to the entry of a Protective Order or a Peace Order.
A request for shielding may not be filed earlier than three (3) years after the denial or dismissal of the Petition or after the consent expires unless the requesting party files a Request for General Waiver CC-DC-077, which is a release of all the requesting party's claims for damages relating to this proceeding and any tort claims that may arise out of this proceeding. The court will schedule a hearing on the request to shield, after which a judge will rule on the request.