Gateway employs legal advocates to assist victims of domestic violence who are seeking information about Temporary Protective Orders.

Contact info:

(770) 531-7153

protectiveorders@gatewaydvcenter.org

Important Links

To begin the process, you can fill out an intake form. Once we receive your form we will contact you.  https://form.jotform.com/230753355159055

Second Hearings are currently be held remotely on Wednesday mornings. Log in information is posted below: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7705321895?pwd=Unh0TG1CdVFramxmelJEVThDd3V4Zz09

Meeting ID: 770 532 1895

Passcode: 1895

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Family Violence Temporary Protective Order (TPO)?

A TPO is a court order that can help provide protection if you are being hurt, threatened or stalked. A legal advocate can help you through the process if you do not have an attorney. 

How much does it cost to get a TPO?

Gateway does not charge any fees, and there is no court filing fee for a TPO. You may elect to hire an attorney for the second hearing, but that is not required. Gateway or Georgia Legal Services are generally able to provide an attorney for low-income victims of family violence. 

How do I know if I qualify for a Family Violence Temporary Protective Order (TPO)?

TPOs may be granted to individuals who:

1. Have a certain relationship 
2. Have experienced certain acts of family violence 
3. And an order is needed for protection. 

What are the relationships required for a Family Violence Temporary Protective Order (TPO)?

Family Violence Temporary Protective Orders are granted to individuals who have certain relationships with one another. These relationships include:

• Spouses (current or past spouses)
• Parents of the same child
• Parents and children (including stepparents/ stepchildren and foster parents/ foster children)
• Individuals currently or previously living in the same household 
• Current dating partners (and some former dating partners) in a romantic and committed relationship. 

What acts are required for a Family Violence Temporary Protective Order (TPO)?

An act of Family Violence must have occurred to be eligible for a Family Violence Temporary Protective Order. These acts include: 

• Any felony (including but not limited to aggravated assault, kidnapping, false imprisonment, aggravated stalking)
• Certain misdemeanor crimes (simple battery, battery, simple assault, stalking, criminal damage to property, criminal trespass)
• Certain threats to the victim or children as defined by law.

How do I know if I qualify for a Stalking Order?

Stalking Orders may be granted to individuals who have been stalked and are in need of protection. The individuals do not need to be related to one another.  Please note, the act cannot occur at the residence of the alleged stalker. 

How do I know where to file the TPO?

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. If the abuser lives out of state or out of Hall County, contact the Gateway legal advocates for more information about where to file an order.

Do I have to know the address for the person receiving the TPO?

Yes. Before filing a petition, you will need to provide a valid address for the person against whom you are seeking a TPO. We must also have either the date of birth or social security number for the respondent. This is required to list the order on the TPO registry.

I think I might qualify for a TPO, how do I get started?

Your first step is to contact the legal advocates at Gateway. There are several ways to reach out to us. 

• You can fill out the intake form online https://form.jotform.com/230753355159055and we will contact you once we review your form.
• Email our advocates at protectiveorders@gatewaydvcenter.org
• Give us a call at 770-531-7153.
• Visit our office on the 4^th Floor of the Hall County Courthouse for more information.

What can a Family Violence Temporary Protective Order (TPO) do to help victims?

• TPOs can order the respondent to stay away from the victim’s home, work, or school. 
• TPOs can address the abuser’s access to weapons.
• Children and family members of the victim may be listed as protected parties on TPOs. 
• The Judge may also order further relief, at their discretion.

What happens if the respondent violates a TPO?

We encourage you to call law enforcement (911) if you believe you are in danger. Violating a TPO may result in aggravated stalking charges.