Important: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Court fees and requirements change frequently. Always verify with your local court before filing.
Restraining Order in Georgia
Open-data reference.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
For confidential help, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7: call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. You can also visit thehotline.org. The filing process below is informational reference data, not a substitute for immediate safety help.
Filing a restraining order in Georgia costs free of charge. The typical timeline is Temporary order same-day; hearing within 30 days, and no mandatory waiting period applies.
Family violence, stalking
What This Means for Your Restraining Order Filing in Georgia
Filing for restraining order in Georgia costs free of charge at the courthouse, the first financial barrier most self-represented filers face. Family Violence Protective Orders free. Beyond the filing fee, no mandatory waiting period applies, and the typical case timeline is Temporary order same-day; hearing within 30 days. County-level surcharges and service-of-process fees can add to that total; see our court fee waiver guide for who qualifies to file without paying.
Procedurally, Georgia lays out 6 distinct steps, and the clerk typically requires 4 core document categories to open your case. Residency rules matter: Not required. Grounds or legal theory must be stated clearly in the initial petition - Family violence, stalking (see our pro se filing guide for common filing mistakes to avoid).
Filing Fee Details
Family Violence Protective Orders free.
Key Requirements
- File petition for Family Violence Protective Order
- Judge reviews same day
- Temporary order if granted
- Hearing within 30 days
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
File petition at Superior Court
- 2
Judge reviews same day
- 3
Temporary order if granted
- 4
Respondent served
- 5
Hearing within 30 days
- 6
Permanent order issued
Important Notes
Estimated. Verify with local court.
Grounds / Eligibility
Family violence, stalking
Quick Reference
- Filing Fee
- Free
- Residency
- Not required
- Waiting Period
- None required
- Typical Timeline
- Temporary order same-day; hearing within 30 days
Official Resources
Other Civil Processes in Georgia
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file for restraining order in Georgia?
The filing fee for restraining order in Georgia is Free. Family Violence Protective Orders free.
How long does restraining order take in Georgia?
Temporary order same-day; hearing within 30 days
Do I need a lawyer for restraining order in Georgia?
You are not legally required to hire an attorney for restraining order in Georgia, but legal representation is recommended for complex cases. Free or low-cost legal aid may be available, see lawhelp.org for Georgia resources.
Is there a waiting period for restraining order in Georgia?
There is no mandatory waiting period for restraining order in Georgia.
What are the residency requirements for restraining order in Georgia?
Not required
What documents are needed for restraining order in Georgia?
Key requirements include: File petition for Family Violence Protective Order; Judge reviews same day; Temporary order if granted.
Where does this data come from?
This information is sourced from Georgia court websites, legal aid organizations, and public court fee schedules, last verified 2026-03. See our methodology for full sourcing details.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
| Publisher | PlainCivil |
| Sources | Public state court datasets and federal civil-justice records |