If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence in Georgia, you have the right to seek legal protection — and you can do it without an attorney. Georgia's Family Violence Protective Order process is designed to be accessible, filing is free, and courts take emergency applications seriously. This guide explains every step of the process clearly.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For 24/7 crisis support and safety planning, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
What Is a Family Violence Protective Order in Georgia?
Georgia calls this protection a Family Violence Protective Order (FVPO). It is a civil court order issued by a Superior Court that legally prohibits an abuser from committing further acts of family violence and can impose other protections — like ordering the abuser to stay away from your home, workplace, or children's school.
FVPOs in Georgia are available to people who have experienced family violence committed by:
- A current or former spouse
- A person who is a parent of your child (regardless of relationship status)
- A person you live with or have lived with
- Parents and children
- Stepparents and stepchildren
- Foster parents and foster children
Family violence under Georgia law includes acts of physical violence, assault, stalking, criminal trespass, false imprisonment, or any felony committed against a family or household member.
The Three Types of Protective Orders in Georgia
1. Emergency Protective Order (EPO)
An Emergency Protective Order is issued by law enforcement — not a court — at the scene of a family violence incident.
- Issued by a police officer or sheriff's deputy on the scene
- Takes effect immediately upon issuance
- Lasts up to 72 hours (not a full day — just three days)
- Gives you time to get to the courthouse and apply for a Temporary Protective Order
- You do not need to apply for this — law enforcement issues it
2. Temporary Protective Order (TPO)
A Temporary Protective Order is what most people mean when they say "TPO." This is the emergency court order you apply for at the Superior Court.
- Filed ex parte — meaning the judge reviews your application without the other party present
- Can be issued the same day you file, if the court finds sufficient grounds
- Lasts up to 30 days (until the full hearing)
- Can include orders to:
- Prohibit further acts of family violence
- Require the abuser to leave the shared home
- Award you temporary custody of your children
- Order the abuser to stay away from your home, workplace, and children's school
- Prohibit the abuser from contacting you
3. Final Protective Order
After the TPO is issued, the court schedules a full hearing — typically within 30 days — where both parties can appear and present their case.
- Requires a hearing with notice to the other party
- Can last up to 3 years (renewable)
- If the respondent fails to appear after being properly served, the court can issue a default order in your favor
- Final orders are enforceable statewide and nationwide
No Filing Fee for Protective Orders
There is no filing fee to apply for a Family Violence Protective Order in Georgia. You will not be charged to file your petition or to have the order served on the respondent.
Where to File
File your petition at the Superior Court clerk's office in the county where:
- You reside
- The respondent (abuser) resides, OR
- The family violence occurred
Many Georgia courthouses also have self-help centers where staff can assist you with completing the forms. The clerk's office can direct you to these resources.
Required Forms
Georgia protective order forms are available for free at:
- georgialegalaid.org
- Courthouse self-help centers (many provide copies in person)
Core documents in a Georgia FVPO filing:
- Petition for Family Violence Protective Order — your sworn statement describing the family violence
- Temporary Protective Order (ex parte) — submitted for the judge to sign immediately
- Rule Nisi / Order to Appear — notifies the respondent of the hearing date and time
- Final Order of Protection — issued after the full hearing
How to Get a Temporary Protective Order: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Go to the Superior Court Clerk's Office
Go to your local Superior Court during business hours. Tell the clerk you need to file for a Family Violence Protective Order. They will provide the forms or direct you to the self-help center.
Many courts have courthouse advocates or victim services staff who can assist you — don't hesitate to ask.
Step 2: Complete the Petition
Fill out the Petition for Family Violence Protective Order as completely as possible. Describe the incidents of family violence with specific dates, locations, and details. The more specific and factual your petition, the stronger your case for emergency relief.
You will sign the petition under oath before the clerk.
Step 3: Present Your Petition to the Judge
The clerk presents your petition to a Superior Court judge the same day (or as soon as possible). The judge reviews your sworn statement without the other party present (ex parte).
If the judge finds sufficient grounds — that there is an immediate and present danger of family violence — they will sign the Temporary Protective Order immediately.
Step 4: Service on the Respondent
The court coordinates service of the TPO and the Order to Appear (notice of the hearing) on the respondent. You typically do not need to arrange this yourself — the court uses law enforcement to serve the respondent. The TPO takes effect as soon as the respondent is served.
Step 5: Attend the Full Hearing
Within 30 days, the court holds a full hearing. Both you and the respondent can present evidence and testimony.
What to bring to the hearing:
- Photographs of injuries or property damage
- Police or incident reports
- Screenshots of threatening text messages, emails, or social media messages
- Medical records (if applicable)
- Witness contact information
- Your completed Domestic Relations Financial Affidavit (if children and custody are involved)
If the respondent does not appear after being properly served, the judge can enter a final protective order in your favor by default.
Step 6: Final Protective Order
If the judge finds that family violence occurred and is likely to recur, they will issue a Final Protective Order. This order:
- Lasts up to 3 years
- Can be renewed before it expires
- Is enforceable in all 50 states under federal law
- Violation of the order is a criminal offense in Georgia
Violation of a Protective Order
If the respondent violates any term of a protective order:
- Call 911 immediately
- The respondent can be arrested on the spot — violation of a Georgia protective order is a misdemeanor on first offense and a felony on subsequent violations
- Keep a certified copy of your order with you at all times
- Provide copies to your children's school, employer, and local law enforcement
Safety Planning Resources
A protective order is a powerful legal tool, but safety planning is equally important. These resources are free and confidential:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 | thehotline.org (24/7, confidential)
- Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence (GCADV): gcadv.org — find local shelters, legal advocates, and emergency services across Georgia
- Georgia Legal Aid: georgialegalaid.org — free civil legal help for low-income Georgians
- 211 Georgia: Dial 2-1-1 for local shelter and service referrals
Georgia Protective Order Documents Coming Soon
Filing an accurate, detailed petition gives you the best chance of getting emergency protection the day you walk into the courthouse. Our Georgia Protective Order Document Preparation service will help you get the paperwork right.
View Our Services at /products (Georgia services coming soon)
Important Disclaimer
Pro Se Document Preparation is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. The information on this page is for general informational purposes only. For legal advice, contact a licensed Georgia attorney or the State Bar of Georgia Lawyer Referral Service at 404-527-8700.
If you are in danger, contact law enforcement or a domestic violence advocate immediately. Every situation is different — the information on this page does not substitute for advice from a licensed Georgia attorney about your specific circumstances.