# Family Law (GFL)

## Title 4. Spouses

### Subtitle 5. Domestic Violence

#### Section 4-505.1

(a)

  (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

  (2) "Child advocacy center" means a center established under Sec. 11-928 of the Criminal Procedure Article.

  (3) "File electronically" means to send, communicate, receive, or store by electronic means.

  (4) "Hospital" has the meaning stated in Sec. 19-301 of the Health - General Article.

  (5) "Vulnerable adult program" means:

    (i) a program implemented under Sec. 14-201 of this article; or

    (ii) any program that receives federal or State funding to prevent abuse of or assist vulnerable adults.

(b) A petitioner may file electronically a petition for a temporary protective order with a court from:

  (1) a domestic violence prevention or assistance program;

  (2) a sexual assault prevention or assistance program;

  (3) a human trafficking prevention or assistance program;

  (4) a child advocacy center;

  (5) a vulnerable adult program;

  (6) a hospital where the petitioner is receiving medical treatment, while the petitioner is at the hospital; or

  (7) another location approved by the court.

(c) The hospital shall refer the petitioner filing a petition on the grounds of:

  (1) domestic violence:

    (i) to a hospital-based domestic violence prevention or assistance program; or

    (ii) if there is not a hospital-based domestic violence prevention or assistance program, to a community-based domestic violence prevention or assistance program; and

  (2) sexual assault to a community-based sexual assault prevention or assistance program.

(d) A court that receives a petition filed electronically in accordance with this section shall hold a hearing on the petition through the use of video conferencing on:

  (1) the same business day if the petition is filed during regular court hours and the court is open; or

  (2) the next business day the court is open if the petition is not filed during regular court hours.

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Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)