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:
- Direct a party to refrain from committing acts of family violence or stalking
- Grant to a spouse possession of the residence or household of the parties and exclude the other spouse from the residence or household
- Require a party to provide suitable alternative housing for a spouse, former spouse, or parent and the parties’ child or children
- Award temporary custody of minor children and establish temporary visitation rights
- 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
- Order either party to make payment for the support of minor children as required by law
- Order either party to make payments for the support of a spouse as required by law
- Provide for possession of personal property of the parties
- Order a party to refrain from harassing or interfering with the other
- Award costs and attorney’s fees to either party
- Order the respondent to receive appropriate psychiatric or psychological services as a further measure to prevent the recurrence of family violence