In general, a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) is a tool to help protect victims of domestic violence or stalking. This order will require the abuser to stay a certain distance away from you and/or your children, both at home and at your work. In addition, the restrained person will be prohibited from contacting you in person, by telephone, my mail, by email, and through the use of a third party.
Under the Family Violence Act, beginning at O.C.G.A. § 19-13-1, individuals who are abused by present or past spouses, parents of the same child, parents and children, stepparents and stepchildren, foster parents and foster children or other persons living or formerly living in the same household have an avenue to gain protection from their abuser.
A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) in Atlanta, on the other hand, is different from a TPO. A TRO is a short-term pre-trial temporary injunction. In order to obtain a TRO, a party must convince the judge that he or she will suffer immediate irreparable harm unless the order is issued.
If you are the victim of domestic violence or stalking, then a TPO or a TRO may be a legally binding and effective method to prevent contact with your abuser.
Unfortunately, there are also instances when people inappropriately take out a TRO or TPO and falsely accuse someone of abuse or violence. If you are falsely accused and facing a TPO, TRO, or Family Violence hearing, our attorneys can help you with that situation as well.