Bill > LD809

This bill modifies Maine's Protection from Abuse (PFA) Order law to allow a plaintiff to file a motion to extend a protection order even after its original expiration. Specifically, the bill enables a court to reinstate and extend a final protection order after it has expired, but only under certain conditions. The plaintiff must demonstrate "good cause" for filing the motion late, which could include circumstances like being unable to serve the defendant in a previous extension attempt. The court will evaluate the motion based on two key criteria: whether the plaintiff has shown a legitimate reason for the delayed filing and whether the motion was filed within a reasonable timeframe given the underlying circumstances. If the court finds these conditions are met, it can reinstate the expired protection order until a full hearing can be held to determine whether a continued extension is necessary to protect the plaintiff or any minor children from potential abuse. This change provides additional flexibility for victims seeking ongoing legal protection by removing strict time limitations on extending protective orders.

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https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=809&snum=132