When someone is involved in a relationship that is abusive, there are ways to get out. While it can be frightening to think about leaving, domestic violence will only get worse as the relationship progresses. A protection order is one way to protect yourself and your children from the abuser. There are two types of protection orders.
-- Temporary protection order: Depending on what the judge signs off on, a temporary protection order can mandate that the alleged abuser to quit abusing, stalking or committing sexual assault against you or your children. The alleged abuser can also be ordered not to have any contact with you at all and not to come anywhere near you. Police can make the alleged abuser move out the family home if so ordered by the judge. The judge can also order the alleged abuser to not have any contact with a family pet and to reimburse you for any costs incurred in breaking a lease.
-- Extended protection order: An extended protection order can provide you with some or all of the protections that are in a temporary protection order, give you possession of the family home, award temporary custody of the children to you, order the alleged abuser to pay for financial support and/or order the abuser to attend counseling.
While the list of what a protection order can do is long, it is not worth anything if you don't apply for the protection order. A Tennessee attorney can help you determine your legal options, including separation and divorce. He or she can also appear in court with you for the hearing on the protection order.
Source: WomensLaw.org, "Protection Orders for Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking," accessed May 20, 2016