Emergency Family Maintenance (EFM)

Emergency family maintenance (EFM) is a combination of alimony and child support granted to the person eligible for relief; it is paid for by the abuser. (A pendente lite award for alimony or child support can take the place of an EFM award.)

EFM is awarded based on:

  • The financial needs of the person eligible for relief
  • The resources available to the person eligible for relief and the abuser

Note that a party to a divorce proceeding can consolidate the protective order case with the divorce action, and request back EFM as part of the divorce action. For more information regarding your specific case, contact a Maryland divorce attorney who can provide professional legal advice.

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