Bill > HB198

This bill amends Delaware's protection from abuse law to provide more flexibility in issuing protective orders. Specifically, the bill allows a respondent (the person against whom a protective order is sought) to voluntarily consent to a permanent protective order without requiring the court to make specific findings about aggravating factors. Under the current law, protective orders are typically limited to a maximum of 2 years, but this amendment introduces two new scenarios for extending that timeframe: first, when the respondent voluntarily consents to a longer order (including a permanent order), and second, when the court determines a longer order is necessary based on existing subsections related to the case. The bill maintains the existing protections that allow courts to restrain respondents from committing domestic violence and from contacting the petitioner, while providing a more streamlined process for finalizing protective orders when the respondent agrees to the terms.

Justice

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142416