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WHAT IS A TEMPORARY PROTECTIVE ORDER (TPO) AND HOW DOES A LEGAL ADVOCATE HELP?

A legal advocate provides assistance to individuals who meet certain criteria and are not represented by an attorney with the preparation and filing of petitions for Temporary Protective Orders (TPO) under the Family Violence Act.

A TPO is not the same as a civil restraining order and a legal advocate does not assist with the preparation of petitions for these orders. Please consult an attorney if you are seeking a civil restraining order.

I NEED A TPO, NOW WHAT?

Before a legal advocate can assist you, you must go through a screening process to determine whether or not the criteria for a TPO has been met. This initial screening may take place over the phone to avoid any inconveniences to you such as long wait times at the courthouse and/or lost time at work. Once this initial screening process is complete, if you are cleared to proceed further a legal advocate may help you.

Some Important Things to Know:

• If the person against whom you are seeking a TPO is a resident of the State of Georgia, you must file your petition in the County where that person resides.
• Before filing a petition, you will need to provide a valid address for the person against whom you are seeking a TPO.
• This is no fee for filing a petition for a TPO under the Family Violence Act.