Hearing

(a)Within 10 days of the filing of a petition under this Chapter, a hearing shall be held at which the plaintiff must prove the allegation of abuse by a preponderance of the evidence. The court shall advise the defendant of his right to be represented by counsel.

(b)The court may enter such temporary orders as it deems necessary to protect the plaintiff or minor children from abuse upon good cause shown in an ex parte proceeding. Immediate and COL 6/21/2023 CH. 40 PROTECTION FROM ABUSE present danger of abuse to the plaintiff or minor children shall constitute good cause for purposes of this section.

(c)If a hearing under subsection

(a)is continued, the court may make or extend such temporary orders under subsection

(b)as it deems necessary.