Divorce, Stalking and Protective Orders

[Lady Justice depiction from ehow.com]

As Augusta, Georgia divorce attorneys, we sometimes receive questions about the availability of domestic violence protective orders, (or restraining orders), in Georgia. Generally, there are several ways to get help if your worthless spouse, "Sluggo," gets out of hand.

First and foremost, please call law enforcement if you are afraid for your life, or if a crime in being committed.

In addition, you can discuss with your divorce lawyer whether or not to seek a domestic violence protective order, especially if there has been a history of abuse. While obtaining such an order may add an extra step or two to your divorce, your divorce attorney will be able to help you get the protection you deserve. 

Also, your divorce lawyer may recommend simply relying upon the protection contained in the automatic domestic standing order, which is generally issued by a judge in every contested divorce case in Georgia. This order contains language which expressly forbids domestic violence, (and would therefore support a contempt motion if Sluggo gets out of hand, even if you elect not to go the extra step of seeking a separate protective order).

Finally, you might also consider seeking help from a family violence shelter near you. Here, in Augusta, Georgia, we are fortunate to have the Augusta Shelter which helps abused women every day.

I hope this general information about family violence helps! Again, please discuss all such issues about divorce with your own divorce lawyer!