If you are in a situation that feels unsafe or uncertain, knowing your legal options can bring immediate relief. A TPO is designed to provide fast protection from threats, harassment, or family violence while setting clear boundaries for contact and safety. Our team at Tannen Law Group helps clients act quickly, navigate the court process with confidence, and find a path toward stability.
Topic | Details |
Court type | Georgia Superior Court |
Emergency relief | Emergency; often same-day |
Temporary duration | Commonly up to ~30 days until hearing |
Final duration | Often up to 12 months; extensions possible |
Scope | No-contact, stay-away, temporary custody, child support, alimony and possession. |
Our role | Hearings, defense, enforcement. |
A TPO (Temporary Protective Orders) can prohibit contact, require someone to stay away from you, your children, your home, workplace, or school, and may address temporary matters involving children and the home, including temporary child support, custody and alimony. It’s designed to reduce imminent threats. Common situations include threats, stalking, harassment, escalating conflict during a separation/divorce, and concerns about children’s safety or exchanges.
You file with the Superior Court, laying out a clear, credible timeline and supporting evidence, with the help of a victim’s advocate.
Assuming the court accepts your emergency filing, the court will issue an Order with immediate effect that lasts until a full hearing can be held (usually within thirty (30) days).
The court will arrange for service of the TPO on the respondent (again, usually same day). We help assemble evidence, exhibits, and testimony for the full hearing. If you’ve been served, we move quickly to protect your rights and build your defense at the full hearing.
Both sides present evidence and witnesses. The judge may dismiss the case, continue the order, or issue a longer-term order (often up to 12 months or more).
Violations have serious consequences. We coordinate with law enforcement and the court to ensure compliance.
• Safety-first strategy and practical safety planning.
• Clear evidence presentation (timeline, exhibits, focused testimony).
• Children & home considerations (parenting time, pick-ups/drop-offs, possession of the home, child support and alimony).
• Coordination with your broader family-law goals (divorce, custody, support).
If you’ve been served, do not contact the petitioner. Follow the order exactly, preserve communications/evidence, and call a lawyer immediately. We challenge insufficient claims, present context, and propose practical solutions (e.g., structured exchanges) when appropriate.
Child custody and parenting time; child support and alimony; possession of the home/vehicle; mediation and long-term strategy (divorce, legitimation, modifications).
• Focused family-law practice handling both petitioners and respondents.
• Fast response for compressed TPO timelines.
• Courtroom readiness: evidence, witnesses, exhibits, testimony.
• Balanced advocacy improves strategy on both sides.
• Timeline of incidents with dates
• Texts, emails, DMs, call logs, voicemails
• Photos/videos of injuries or property damage
• Police reports/incident numbers; medical records
• Witness names and contact info
• Any existing orders or case numbers
We assist clients in Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Cumming, Suwanee, Duluth, Peachtree Corners, and surrounding areas of Fulton, Forsyth, and Gwinnett counties.
Usually same-day protection until the full hearing.
It can appear in court records. Violations or related criminal charges are more likely to impact background checks.
Yes. A respondent can file a counterclaim for a TPO or may file a separate petition.
You can request changes or dismissal at the hearing or by motion. The judge will consider safety and evidence.
We work with process servers and the court to pursue alternative service methods when permitted.
File a petition in Superior Court, request ex parte relief, then attend the full hearing—typically within about 30 days.
Provide dates, messages, photos/video, police or medical reports, and witness names. Judges want a clear, credible timeline with specific incidents.
Emergency orders are short-term. After the hearing, a TPO commonly lasts up to 12 months and can be extended in some cases.
Yes. Courts can set temporary parenting time, exchange rules, and who stays in the home to reduce conflict and risk.
Do not contact the petitioner. Follow the order exactly, save evidence, and speak with a lawyer immediately to prepare for the hearing.
Violations can lead to arrest or court sanctions. Document the violation, stay safe, and contact law enforcement and your lawyer right away.
No, but it’s strongly recommended. Hearings move quickly and turn on evidence and procedure—experienced counsel can protect your rights and safety.
We can introduce you to third party lenders to provide financing options.
Proudly serving families across Gwinnett, Forsyth, and Fulton Counties
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