If the person you fear in Riverdale is all charm in public, well liked, the last person anyone would suspect, then the gap between what others see and what you live can make you feel invisible. We believe you. We offer clear, private information about protective orders, built on what is actually happening to you, not on how convincing he is to everyone else.
Daniels & Taylor serves Riverdale families from our office in Lawrenceville.
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When someone is gracious and likable in public and frightening behind closed doors, you can start to doubt yourself, and to fear that no one would ever take your word over his. You may worry that his reputation will win. Can a court see past the public face? Does it come down to who seems more believable? We listen to what you have actually lived, then connect each legal question to building a clear account of it.
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 Riverdale
Everyone loves him, will a court believe me?
A court looks at evidence and what you describe, not at popularity. Tell us what has happened and we will explain how to present it.
It is my word against his, is that enough?
Your account matters, and there is often more to point to than you think. We help you identify and organize what supports it.
What if he charms the judge too?
Judges weigh facts and patterns, not charm. We help you bring a clear, grounded account to the hearing.
You can ask about your options without committing to file or to hire anyone, and without him knowing. What he shows others does not erase what you have lived. Reach out from a safe device when you are able.
Call (770) 285-1673 for a free case evaluation.
If an order was filed against you, you may feel it clashes with how people know you, and want to set the record straight right away. Until the hearing, follow the order exactly as written, even where you believe it is unfair. The place to tell your side is the hearing, not the people around you. We help you understand what it requires.
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
This is not who I am, how do I show that?
Follow the order exactly and bring your account to the hearing, where a judge weighs it. Compliance speaks for you in the meantime. We help you prepare.
Can I ask friends to vouch and reach out to her?
Do not contact her, directly or through anyone. That can violate the order. Witnesses are presented properly at the hearing. We help you do it right.
What happens next?
A judge reviews the evidence and decides what, if anything, continues. A free case evaluation helps you understand the order and get ready.
Have the order and the hearing date in hand. A free case evaluation can help you sort what to do first and what to avoid.
Call (770) 285-1673 for a free case evaluation.