§4003. Filing of complaint; jurisdiction
Proceedings under this chapter must be filed, heard and determined in the District Court of the division in which either the plaintiff or the defendant resides. If the plaintiff has left the plaintiff's residence to avoid abuse, the plaintiff may bring an action in the division of the plaintiff's previous residence or new residence. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
The District Court has jurisdiction over protection from abuse petitions. If a District Court Judge is not available in the division in which a complaint requesting a temporary order is to be filed, the complaint may be presented to another District Court Judge or to any Superior Court Justice. A Superior Court Justice has the same authority as a District Court Judge to grant or deny the temporary order. [PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 1995, c. 694, §B2 (NEW). PL 1995, c. 694, §E2 (AFF).