At Christy E. Draper, LLC, our seasoned legal team has helped individuals and families in Douglasville and the surrounding areas for over 20 years with legal matters. A Georgia order of protection attorney from our firm can help you understand order of protection laws and how you can legally initiate immediate boundaries that can separate you from an abuser.
Look to our founding attorney, Christy E. Draper, who is committed to achieving fair outcomes for clients while defending their rights.
Georgia’s Order of Protection Laws
In Georgia, protections are formally known as Temporary Protective Orders (TPOs) and fall under Georgia Code § 19-13-3 and 19-13-4. Through these orders, the law provides a pathway to secure your residence and your children from further harm, whether you face threats from:
- A current spouse
- A former cohabitant
- A co-parent
To initiate an order, you must file a petition in the Superior Court of the county where the respondent resides. For those in Douglasville, this typically involves visiting the Douglas County Courthouse at 8700 Hospital Drive in Douglasville.
Under Georgia order of protection laws, a judge can issue an ex parte order immediately if they find probable cause that an act of family violence occurred. This initial order can grant you temporary possession of the family home and custody of minor children while waiting for a full evidentiary hearing.
Hire an Order of Protection Lawyer
Many individuals choose to hire an order of protection lawyer to guide them in order of protection cases. A lawyer can help confirm that all digital evidence, such as date-stamped text messages and medical records, for example, is correctly admitted.
Navigating this process is increasingly important as state data indicates a rise in domestic incidents. Recent reports show the following figures:
- Reported family violence incidents saw a 12% increase from 2023 to 2024.
- There were 42,184 family violence incidents reported in Georgia in 2024.
- The state saw 17,662 emergency TPOs issued in 2024.
- Of these emergency TPOs, 41% were extended to be longer-term orders after the initial hearing.
This underscores the necessity of presenting a strong evidentiary case during the first 30 days of filing.
Turn to Christy E. Draper, LLC
Our firm serves the Douglasville area and surrounding Georgia communities with an empathetic and accurate approach. Our founding attorney, Christy E. Draper, brings a unique perspective to cases that often intersect the fields of family law and criminal defense.
She holds specialized training in forensic interviews with children who have been sexually abused, allowing her to provide a sophisticated level of advocacy for her clients. Our firm remains a steadfast ally for those looking to protect their families and secure their future through every step of the legal process.
Take the Next Steps Toward Safety
By understanding the legal requirements, gathering necessary evidence, and working with experienced counsel, you position yourself to establish a safer environment for you and your family. If you face threats or harassment, reach out to Christy E. Draper, LLC for help taking prompt action for a clear path to protecting your rights and your future.
