Temporary Protective Orders

As a victim of family violence, you may qualify for a Temporary Protective Order (TPO).

A TPO is a civil order of protection. It can order a batterer to have no contact with you and/or your children, make the batterer leave the home, and possibly pay child support.

To get a TPO, you must apply in the county where the abuser lives.

To obtain a TPO in Newton County, please contact the clerk of the court, Linda Hayes, at (770) 784-2035.

To obtain a TPO in Rockdale County, call 770-929-4023 and make an appointment, or come by the Rockdale County Courthouse, Room 205-C.

To obtain a TPO in Walton County, please conact the clerk of the court at (770) 267-1355.

If you get a Temporary Protective Order . . .

You must go to the final hearing scheduled when you apply for the TPO.
Keep it with you at all times. Take a copy to your child’s school and/or daycare center and to your place of employment.
The abuser cannot have any contact with you, including telephone, fax, e-mail, cards, letter, or flowers.
You cannot have any contact with the abuser unless ordered by a Superior Court Judge.

Only a Superior Court Judge can dismiss a TPO.

Call the police immediately if the abuser violates the TPO. Show the police your copy of the TPO. Violation of a TPO may be a criminal offense.