When will my order take effect?
Your order will be in effect once it is properly served to the harasser - this is the same for a temporary ex parte order as well as a final order. If the harasser comes to the hearing and a final order is issued, s/he should be served with the order by the deputy sheriff at the courthouse. If your harasser does not come to the hearing, s/he will still have to be served with the order by a law enforcement officer before it will take effect.1
1 See 5 M.R.S. § 4655(6)