An Interim Protective Order will order the abuser to stay away until a date and time (within two court-business days) on which you must present the application and order to a Judge in the District Court in order to obtain a Temporary Protective Order.

A Temporary Protective Order will be granted if the Court finds there are “reasonable grounds” to grant it.

The hearing on the Temporary Protective Order is usually “ex-parte”, meaning that the court can grant you a Temporary Protective Order even if the Respondent does not show up for the hearing.

The Interim Protective Order and Temporary Protective Order are served upon the Respondent by a Sheriff.