Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

Re: Temporary Protective Order

A protective order proceeding is not a crimnal proceeding; rather, it is a civil one. So, assuming the protective order proceeding is the only one going on, he won't be arrested. (If the wife has also filed criminal charges, that is a different matter.) There can be serious consequences to the husband not appearing at the protective order hearing, however, not the least of which can be him being ordered to stay out of the family home and away from the wife for up to a year. He should probably find the means to consult with an attorney.

Re: Temporary Protective Order

He will not be arrested for failure to appear at a Final Protective Order hearing. If she shows up, the court will most likely grant whatever she is asking for including temporary custody and emergency family maintenance (child support). If he cannot afford an attorney, it would still be best for him to appear if for no other reason than to present evidence of his current income. Otherwise, the judge may set an amount that he cannot afford to pay.