§4010. Procedure








1. Civil rules apply. 
Unless otherwise indicated in this chapter, all proceedings must be in accordance
with the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure. Appeals may be taken as provided by the Maine
Rules of Civil Procedure. Appeals may be only for error of law or abuse of discretion.


[
1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW);
1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF)
.]








2. Proceedings independent. 
All proceedings may be independent of, or joined with, a proceeding for divorce,
dissolution of marriage, legal separation or separate maintenance. A proceeding under
this chapter is in addition to any other available civil or criminal remedies.


[
1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW);
1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF)
.]








3. Self-defense. 
The right to relief under this chapter is not affected by the plaintiff's use of
reasonable force in response to abuse by the defendant.


[
1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW);
1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF)
.]








4. Intoxication. 
Voluntary intoxication is not a defense to an action under this chapter.


[
1995, c. 694, Pt. B, §2 (NEW);
1995, c. 694, Pt. E, §2 (AFF)
.]








5. Mediation and referees. 
The court may not mandate mediation or appointment of referees in actions brought
under this chapter. If an action under this chapter is joined with another proceeding
pursuant to subsection 2, this subsection does not prohibit the court from mandating
mediation or the appointment of a referee on any issue, other than abuse, that is
part of the other proceeding.


[
2001, c. 243, §2 (AMD)
.]





SECTION HISTORY

1995, c. 694, §B2 (NEW).
1995, c. 694, §E2 (AFF).
2001, c. 243, §2 (AMD).