WHAT IS A TEMPORARY PROTECTIVE ORDER?
A Temporary Protective Order (TPO) is a
civil order issued by a Superior Court Judge for the protection of
victims of Family Violence or Stalking.
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. 19-13-4, a
temporary protective order can:
(1) Direct a party to refrain from
committing acts of family violence or stalking;
(2) Grant to a spouse possession of the
residence or household of the parties and exclude the other spouse from
the residence or household;
(3) Require a party to provide suitable
alternative housing for a spouse, former spouse, or parent and the
parties’ child or children;
(4) Award temporary custody of minor
children and establish temporary visitation rights;
(5) Order the eviction of a party from
the residence or household and order assistance to the victim in
returning to it, or order assistance in retrieving personal property of
the victim if the respondent’s eviction has not been ordered;
(6) Order either party to make payment
for the support of minor children as required by law;
(7) Order either party to make payments
for the support of a spouse as required by law;
(8) Provide for possession of personal
property of the parties;
(9) Order a party to refrain from
harassing or interfering with the other;
(10) Award costs and attorney’s fees to
either party;
(11) Order the respondent to receive
appropriate psychiatric or psychological services as a further measure
to prevent the recurrence of family violence.
