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Legal Information: Maine

Restraining Orders

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Laws current as of November 28, 2023

Can a minor file for a protection from harassment order?

A minor (under 18) cannot file on his/her own (unless s/he is emancipated)– but any adult family member, guardian, or the Department of Health and Human Services can file on behalf of a minor.1

Note: If you are filing on behalf of a child and you have not witnessed the harassment yourself, the child may likely have to testify in court about the harassment if the case goes to trial.2

1 5 M.R.S. § 4652
2 See A Guide to Protection from Abuse & Harassment Cases on the Maine Courts website

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