Temporary Protective Order (TPO)

What is a Temporary Protective Order (TPO)/Restraining Order?
Most people are familiar with a restraining order or have at least heard the term before. In Georgia, a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) is essentially the same thing as a restraining order. A TPO is a court order designed to help victims of family violence obtain protection from the individual or individuals who are abusing, harassing, or stalking them. TPOs can help victims in the same way a restraining order does - by prohibiting contact between the party seeking the order and alleged abuser. A TPO may also order the alleged abuser to vacate the family's residence or refrain from visiting a certain place or residence.
What can a TPO/Restraining Order do for you?
At a general level, the Temporary Protective Order prohibits contact between the abuser and the victim. In addition, the Temporary Protective Order may provide other forms of relief, such as
- Granting the victim possession of the residence or household to the exclusion of the abuser;
- Requiring the abuser to provide his or her spouse and children suitable alternative housing;
- Awarding temporary custody of minor children and establishing temporary visitation rights;
- Ordering the eviction of the abuser from the residence or household and assistance to the victim in returning to the residence or retrieving his or her possessions from the residence;
- Ordering either the victim or abuser to make payments for the support of minor children pursuant to a court order;
- Ordering either the victim or abuser to make spousal support payments pursuant to a court order;
- Ordering the abuser to cease harassment or interference with the victim;
- Awarding costs and attorney's fees to either party; and
- Ordering the abuser to receive psychiatric or psychological services to prevent future acts of family violence.