Emergency Family-Law Resources in Maine
Official starting points for immediate safety, interim parental-rights orders, and protection from abuse.
Temporary orders involving children
Maine does not promise same-day rulings on any private interim filing. Emergency hearings are limited. Use the District Court interim procedure and forms, and confirm the receiving court's local intake and deadlines.
A parent can request an interim parental-rights order through the District Court procedure. For an immediate threat, a protection from abuse order is a separate, faster route.
Protection from abuse (19-A M.R.S. Chapter 103)
Maine's protection-from-abuse order is filed under 19-A M.R.S. Chapter 103 (form PA-001). A temporary order may be issued without prior notice when the statutory emergency showing is met. A final order is generally issued for up to two years, extendable. Filing is free.
Maine child protective (OCFS)
Reports of suspected abuse or neglect go to Maine DHHS — Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS); call 911 for immediate. The OCFS statewide hotline is 1-800-452-1999 (Maine Relay 711), staffed 24/7. An unsubstantiated report does not prove it was knowingly false and does not by itself end parental rights and responsibilities.
- 19-A M.R.S. Chapter 103 — protection from abuse
- Maine DHHS — OCFS
- Maine Judicial Branch — abuse/how-to-file
Always confirm current local forms, fees, and filing procedure with the District Court clerk handling your case.