Service
Temporary Protective Orders
Your safety and the safety of your children is your top priority. When you are in a tense domestic situation and don’t have the luxury of waiting for lengthy divorce proceedings to play out, you may need a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) to protect you now. We value your safety and are here to help get you court-ordered protections fast.
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Helping you secure court-ordered protections
How tpos work in georgia
What protections does a TPO offer?
A Temporary Protective Order (TPO) in Georgia offers essential protections to individuals facing threats or violence. It can include provisions such as no-contact orders, requiring the alleged abuser to maintain a specified distance and prohibiting any form of contact. TPOs may also mandate the removal of the alleged abuser from a shared residence, address child custody and visitation arrangements to ensure the safety of children, restrict firearm possession, and even extend protection to pets.
These orders are legally enforceable by law enforcement, providing immediate intervention in case of violations, making them a vital tool for safeguarding the well-being and security of those facing domestic violence or harassment situations.
TPO First steps
Getting your Temporary Protective Order
Initiating a TPO, starts with the local courts, where we will obtain the necessary forms. These documents typically include a petition detailing the reasons for seeking protection and a summons. Once we’ve completed the paperwork, our team will assist you in submitting it to the court, representing your interests during any hearings, and working diligently to secure the Temporary Protective Order that ensures your safety and well-being.
Your protection matters, and we are committed to advocating for your rights. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us provide you with the legal support you need during this critical time.
securing long-term protections
Low long does my Temporary Protective Order last?
An Ex-parte Temporary Protective Order typically lasts up to 30 days or until your court hearing. Extensions may be possible in cases where the hearing is held in another county or delayed, but this usually requires mutual agreement. To ensure your ongoing protection, it’s advisable to consult with your Atlanta family law attorney.
For a Temporary Order to become permanent, both parties must attend a court hearing where evidence is presented. If the alleged abuser doesn’t appear, you may receive a one-year Protective Order. Long-term Orders can extend up to three years, serving as an initial step in prolonging your protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What Does TPO Mean in Georgia Law?
A: TPO stands for Temporary Protective Order, a civil court order under Georgia’s Family Violence Act (O.C.G.A. § 19-13-1) that restricts contact between the person who filed the petition and the person accused of family violence or stalking. A TPO can order the respondent to stay away from the petitioner’s home, workplace, and children, surrender firearms, and stop all contact, including calls, texts, and contact through third parties.
A TPO is not a criminal charge by itself. It is issued by a superior court judge in a civil proceeding. However, violating a TPO is a crime in Georgia and can result in arrest, aggravated stalking charges, and contempt of court.
Q: How Long Does a TPO Last in Georgia?
A: An initial ex parte TPO in Georgia lasts up to 30 days, until the court holds a hearing where both sides can present evidence. If the judge grants a protective order after that hearing, it generally lasts up to 12 months. The petitioner can then ask the court to extend the order for up to three years or to make it permanent.
The timeline matters for both sides. If you have been served with an ex parte TPO, the hearing is your opportunity to respond, and it arrives quickly. If you are seeking protection, the order does not renew automatically, so the request to extend must be filed before the 12-month order expires.
Where We work
Servicing Greater Atlanta
While our practice is conveniently located in North Buckhead / Sandy Springs, we have successfully fought for clients across greater Atlanta and are licensed to practice anywhere in the state of Georgia.