In Conyers, where daily life across Rockdale County often runs on long commutes and tight work schedules, just finding the time and a safe way to ask for help can be a barrier of its own. We give you clear, unhurried information about protective orders so you can plan a safe next step.
Daniels & Taylor serves Conyers families from our office in Lawrenceville.
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You may depend on someone else for a car, a paycheck, or a schedule that leaves little room to act. Can a court help with the home, support, or the children quickly? What if your transportation or your money is controlled by the other person? Can you get answers before you have to make a move? We listen, then tie each legal question to the logistics that actually stand in your way.
You are not alone. Georgia's statewide domestic violence
hotline is 1-800-33-HAVEN (1-800-334-2836),
free, 24/7, and confidential.
What most people pay for a case evaluation to learn
A Georgia protective order can do more than tell someone to stay away. In a
family violence case the judge may grant exclusive use of the home, temporary
custody of the children, temporary support, and can even include the family pet
(O.C.G.A. 19-13-4).
You do not need a police report or a criminal charge to ask for one. It is a
civil petition you file yourself, and the court can issue a same day ex parte
order to protect you right away, followed by a hearing (O.C.G.A. 19-13-3).
Family violence is broader than physical harm. It covers acts like stalking
and criminal trespass between people in the same household, former spouses,
parents of the same child, and others living or formerly living together
(O.C.G.A. 19-13-1). If you were in a dating relationship but never lived together
and share no child, your path is a separate stalking protective order (O.C.G.A.
16-5-94).
How a Georgia family violence protective order works
You file a civil petition, with no police report required, and the court can
grant a temporary ex parte order the same day, then set a hearing (O.C.G.A.
19-13-3). The order can reach beyond no contact to the home, custody, and support
(O.C.G.A. 19-13-4). You file in the superior court of the county where the
respondent lives (O.C.G.A. 19-13-2).
Common questions about protective orders in Conyers
What if I rely on the other person for a car or income?
Tell us what you depend on and how to reach you safely. Possible relief and local resources each get their own look.
When can I make a call without it being noticed?
Whenever it is safe, even briefly. Use a private device and a contact method that will not be seen.
What if I cannot tell whether it qualifies?
Tell us what happened and how you are connected to the person. You do not need the legal term first.
You can ask about your options and how to act safely without committing to file anything. Reach out from a safe device whenever a window opens.
Call (770) 285-1673 for a free case evaluation.
You may believe the allegations are overblown, or that they surfaced as a living arrangement or relationship came apart. What are you still allowed to do? When is the hearing? How do you respond without worsening things? Taking the order seriously does not require agreeing with every claim.
If a protective order has been filed against you
Nothing lasting happens without a hearing. An ex parte order is temporary, and
the court sets a hearing, usually within about 30 days, where the petitioner has
to prove family violence by a preponderance of the evidence, and that burden is on
them (O.C.G.A. 19-13-3(b), (c)).
A final order can require no contact, order you to leave a shared home, and set
temporary custody or support; it can last up to one year and may be extended to
three years or made permanent (O.C.G.A. 19-13-4). Knowingly violating a protective
order is a separate crime (O.C.G.A. 16-5-95). A family violence finding can also be
weighed in a later custody case (O.C.G.A. 19-9-3(a)(3)(P), (a)(4)). If the petition
comes from a dating relationship, it may fall under the stalking statute instead
(O.C.G.A. 16-5-94).
Until the hearing, follow the order exactly as
entered, even if you believe it is unfair. The time to be heard is at the hearing,
not by contacting the petitioner.
Common questions if an order was filed against you
Can I message the other person to explain?
Not if the order forbids contact. Follow it exactly and use the hearing to be heard.
What should I gather?
The order, the hearing notice, messages, schedules, and the names of anyone who saw what happened.
Does this settle a custody case?
Protective order and custody matters can overlap, but no outcome is automatic. Each needs its own facts and review.
Have the order and hearing date ready if possible. A free case evaluation can help you prioritize the deadlines and records that matter most.
Call (770) 285-1673 for a free case evaluation.