Protective Order

What Is Family Violence?

Georgia law defines “family violence” as an act of violence against past or present spouses, persons who are parents of the same child, parents, and children, (including stepparents and stepchildren), or other persons who live or used to live in the same household. 

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The type of violence that qualifies as family violence includes any felony, assault or battery, stalking, unlawful restraint, or damage to property.

What Are Protective Orders?

Georgia has implemented a set of guidelines that include many factors that are used to calculate child support including the income levels of both parents, the number of children needing support, special needs, and other key considerations. The court has the discretion to depart from these guidelines in some instances.

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We work hard to secure a child support order that fully provides for the children's needs without placing an unfair financial burden on our clients.

We are thorough in our preparation of child support calculations, obtaining complete financial information for both parties, and working to ensure any special circumstances for parents and children have been addressed.

What Is a Stalking Protective Order?

Stalking is where one person follows, places under surveillance, or contacts another person without their consent for the purpose of harassing or intimidating them. This contact can be in person, by phone, by mail, or electronically. 

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Courts may also issue a protective order to prevent stalking behavior or to direct one person to refrain from harassing or interfering with another. The Court may also direct either or all parties to receive appropriate psychiatric or psychological services as a measure to prevent the recurrence of stalking. 

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Violations of either of these protective orders can have serious, long-term legal, and financial consequences. Also, protective orders might be in place for up to one year and, in certain instances, can be extended to up to three years.

If you feel like you need protection from someone, or if you've been served with a protective order, you'll need an experienced attorney to help you. Pratt & Wall are very experienced in handling such matters and want to help you. Call us today.