Douglasville Protective Order Lawyer

Protective Order Attorney in Douglasville, GA

Family abuse and domestic violence are becoming an increasing issue in the United States, and Georgia is no exception. If you or a loved one is facing a threat from another family member in Holly Springs or you are dealing with a situation of stalking or harassment near Alta Vista, you need to speak with a Douglasville protective order lawyer who can work to protect you and advocate for your right to safety.

Christy E. Draper: Here to Protect You

As a native of metro-Atlanta and a graduate of the University of Georgia, attorney Christy E. Draper cares for the safety and well-being of her fellow Peach State residents. She is a proud member of the Douglas County Bar Association, the Georgia Association for Women Lawyers, and the Lawyers Club of Atlanta. With years of experience in family law, Christy and her team are ready to come alongside you and protect you should safety be your concern.

Understanding Protective Orders in Douglasville

Across the United States, 24 people experience some form of intimate partner physical abuse every minute, and in Georgia, in 2024 alone, the family court system issued 17,662 emergency, or temporary, protective orders, of which 41% were extended into long-term orders.

In Douglasville, a family court judge has the authority to issue a restraining order to protect someone from domestic abuse or violence. These protective orders work to limit the restricted party’s ability to have any contact with the protected individual, either on a temporary or indefinite basis. A protective order works to order an abuser, stalker, or harasser to:

• Vacate the family home
• Stop any kind of violent or threatening actions or behaviors
• Not cause any harm to pets or property belonging to the protected party
• Pay for possible legal fees and court costs
• Complete a counseling, therapy, or other similar psychological program
• Keep from contacting the protected individual or their loved ones
• Provide spousal or child support, or give a certain amount of property or assets to the parties in a divorce who are protected by the order

If you have suffered abuse at the hands of a family member, loved one, or a party who is stalking you, Christy E. Draper is here to help you seek a protective order in Douglasville, Georgia.

Steps to Obtaining a Protective Order in Douglasville

If you believe a protective order is the correct option for you, you need to follow certain steps. These steps include:

• Hiring an attorney. First and foremost, you need to hire a family law attorney who can protect your rights to a restraining order. At Christy E. Draper, our team is here to review your case and help you protect yourself and your loved ones from your abuser.
• Gathering documents. Your attorney can then begin to assist you in gathering all forms of personal information, such as your ID and the details of the party you are filing against, such as their name, address, and phone number.
• Collecting evidence. At Christy E. Draper, we can then help you collect the necessary evidence that proves your need for a protective order. This evidence can include photos, communications between you and your abuser, medical and police reports documenting the abuse, and possible eyewitness testimony.
• Filing a petition. Your attorney can then assist you in filing the appropriate paperwork with the Douglas County Superior Court Clerk’s Office located at 8700 Hospital Drive in Douglasville.
• Attending hearings. Depending on the details of your case, you may then be required to attend a court hearing, which could happen as soon as the day you file for the protective order. In certain cases, an immediate ex parte protective order can be issued in an emergency. The restricted party does not need to be present for this to occur.
  
  Once a temporary order has been issued, an official hearing will be scheduled. At this hearing, you and the restricted party have the chance to present evidence, and the judge may determine whether a longer-lasting order is needed.

FAQs

What If the Allegations Are False in a Protective Order Case?

In the United States, roughly one in 10 cases of domestic violence are due to false allegations. At Christy E. Draper, LLC, our attorney can review your case, listen to your side of the story, and uncover the truth when you are the subject of false allegations that have led to a protective order. Common defenses include cases where you acted in self-defense or in the defense of others, or there are inconsistencies in the filing party’s story.

When Should a Protective Order Be Considered in Georgia?

In Georgia, a protective order should be considered in a number of situations. First, if you are the victim of threats or harassment that has started to escalate, you should contact a protective order lawyer as soon as possible. Additionally, in cases of domestic violence, persistent stalking, and situations of child endangerment, a temporary protective order may be necessary.

What Are the Impacts of a Protective Order in Douglas County?

In Douglas County, if a protective or restraining order is issued against you, it does more damage than you might think. In many cases, the courts will prohibit you from possessing or purchasing firearms. Protective orders can also affect existing custody or parenting time schedules and may even limit your contact with your children. It will also show up on a background check, impacting future employment or job opportunities.

What Happens If I Violate a Protective Order?

In Georgia, if you violate a protective order, it can be treated as either a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances, and you may also be charged with contempt of court. You could face years of jail time and thousands of dollars in fines. If a protective order is filed against you in Georgia, the wisest thing you can do is adhere to the restrictions and contact a Douglasville protective order attorney.

Hire a Protective Order Lawyer Today

At Christy E. Draper, LLC, our attorneys understand how emotionally difficult and delicate circumstances that warrant a protective order can be. Our dedicated family attorneys are here to offer you the counsel and representation you deserve. We know these cases can be frightening, but when you hire a protective order lawyer from our firm, we are here to serve you. Contact us today and schedule your initial consultation.

Client Testimonials

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“Mrs.Draper and Kadee are both awesome at what they do, very sweet and helpful. They took very good care of me and did everything I wanted and needed them to do for me! I have to say she is the best around! You will not be disappointed! She is very well respected in the courtroom, too. You can just see when she is in there that she isn’t new to this type of stuff!”
— Matthew Odom.

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“Christy and Jon are now My family. We have been together for a year and when I was stressing they were patient because they had me from the beginning they have gone over and beyond for me and they my straight TEAM. I came from jail and my kids in DFACS to the picture you see. Words cannot describe how much I love and appreciate them. Just absolutely amazing and how they have helped me me through the hardest time of my life. We came out the mud. Christy and Jon does whatever I need they’ll go to War and they not about to play about me. When you hire Christy you’re going to be in amazing hands. The absolute best!!!!” — Dasja Barnes

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