If someone is hurting you, threatening you, or stalking you, you may be able to ask a Georgia court for a Temporary Protective Order (TPO). A TPO (often called a restraining order) is a civil court order that can limit contact and set rules meant to help keep you safe.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
If you need family law help in Middle Georgia, start here: Middle Georgia family law lawyer.
What is a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) in Georgia?
A Temporary Protective Order (TPO) is a civil court order that can protect you from family violence, stalking, or threats. It can restrict contact (including calls, texts, and social media), require someone to stay away from you, and set other safety rules. Georgia has three main types of protective orders: family violence, stalking, and employer protective orders. Some divorce cases also include a separate “divorce restraining order,” which is not the same as a TPO.
What a Georgia TPO Can Do
Depending on the situation, a TPO may order someone to:
Stop contacting you directly or indirectly
Stay away from your home, work, school, or other places
Stop harassment, threats, stalking, or intimidation
Follow additional court-ordered rules intended to prevent future harm
A judge decides what rules apply based on the facts presented.
Types of Protective Orders in Georgia
Georgia law recognizes three main protective order categories:
Family Violence Protective Orders
Stalking Protective Orders
Employer Protective Orders
Georgia courts may also issue divorce restraining orders, which are different from protective orders under the Family Violence Act.
Family Violence Protective Orders
A family violence protective order typically involves a court process where both sides can be heard. In general, the court must find:
1) A qualifying relationship exists
Common qualifying relationships include:
- Past spouses
- Present spouses
- Parents of the same child (unmarried parents)
- Parent and child
- Step-parent and step-child
- Foster parent and foster child
- People living in the same household now
- People formerly living in the same household
2) Certain acts of violence or abuse occurred
The court looks for conduct such as:
- Simple battery or battery
- Simple assault or aggravated assault
- Stalking
- Criminal damage to property
- Unlawful restraint
- Criminal trespass
- Other conduct the court finds relevant
3) Protection is needed against future violence
The court may consider:
- Likelihood of future violence
- Timing (past violence does not always need to be “recent”)
- Evidence of stalking or harassment patterns
- Other facts showing ongoing risk
How long does a family violence protective order last?
When granted, family violence protective orders are often in place for up to 1 year and may be extended in some cases.
Stalking Protective Orders
To issue a stalking protective order, the court generally must find:
The respondent has stalked the petitioner, and
Protection is needed against future stalking
Georgia law describes stalking as following, surveilling, or contacting someone without consent for the purpose of harassing and intimidating them.
What counts as “contact”?
Contact can include communication:
- In person
- By phone
- By mail or email
- Through a computer, social media, or other electronic de
What does “harassing and intimidating” mean?
It generally refers to a knowing course of conduct directed at a specific person that:
- Causes emotional distress, and
- Places the person in reasonable fear for their safety (or the safety of immediate family), and
- Shows a pattern of behavior that serves no legitimate purpose
Employer Protective Orders
Employer protective orders are different:
- Only employers may request them
- The purpose is to protect an employee
- Employers must show violence or threats of violence against the employee at the workplace
- These orders do not always require the same showing of “future threats” as other protective orders
Divorce Restraining Orders in Georgia
Some divorce cases include “divorce restraining orders.” These can be viewed as a more limited civil order compared to protective orders under the Family Violence Act.
Key points to know:
- Divorce restraining orders may not be entered into the Family Violence Registry
- Law enforcement may be less likely to enforce them the same way as a TPO
- They may not trigger the same legal consequences as a family violence protective order in every situation
If safety concerns are part of a divorce, it’s important to understand which type of order fits your situation.
How to Get a TPO in Georgia
The process can vary by county, but it usually includes:
Filing a petition with the court
Providing details about what happened and what protection you need
Attending a hearing (and possibly an initial temporary hearing)
Presenting evidence and testimony
The judge deciding whether to grant the order and what terms apply
Tip: TPO cases can move quickly. If your situation also involves divorce, custody, or parenting issues, strategy and timing matter.
When to Talk to a Lawyer
It may help to speak with a lawyer if:
- The situation is connected to divorce, custody, or legitimation
- You share children with the other party
- You are worried about false claims or retaliation
- You need help organizing evidence and preparing for the hearing
- You want clear next steps and a plan that protects you and your family
Middle Georgia Help for TPOs Connected to Family Law Cases
This page goes into detail about Georgia law related to protective orders. If your protective order issue is tied to divorce, child custody, legitimation, or another family law matter in Middle Georgia, our team may be able to help.
Call (478) 239-2780 to speak with Brodie Law Group.
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia TPOs
What is a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) in Georgia?
A TPO is a civil court order that can restrict contact and set safety rules in cases involving family violence, stalking, or threats.
What are the three types of protective orders in Georgia?
Family violence protective orders, stalking protective orders, and employer protective orders.
Is a TPO the same as a restraining order?
Many people use the term “restraining order,” but in Georgia a TPO is the protective order process most people mean.
Is a divorce restraining order the same as a TPO?
No. Divorce restraining orders can be different and may be enforced differently than protective orders under the Family Violence Act.
Can a TPO cover texts, calls, and social media?
Yes. “Contact” can include phone calls, messages, emails, and electronic communication.
How long does a family violence protective order last?
Often up to one year, and it may be extended in some cases.
Get Help With a TPO Connected to Divorce or Custody in Middle Georgia
If your TPO situation connects to divorce, custody, or another family law issue in Middle Georgia, call (478) 239-2780 or request a confidential consultation today.
