How Close Can My Abuser Come After I Get a Restraining Order in Atlanta?
A restraining order can accomplish many goals, but one of its most important functions is to keep an abuser away from you. If you’re thinking about obtaining a restraining order in Atlanta, you might be wondering how far this distance will be. The answer depends on your unique circumstances, and you might want to discuss your specific situation with an experienced family law attorney in Atlanta.
Each Restraining Order Is Different
Restraining orders can prevent the abuser from visiting the victim’s workplace, home, school or other locations where they are frequently present. Usually, the physical distance is measured in yards. For example, your abuser might need to stay 100 yards or 300 yards away from you at all times. However, the specific distance depends on your unique circumstances. It is important that the guidelines surrounding impermissible contact is outlined clearly so everyone understands the rules.
For example, your workplace might be a large factory. If you work next to a window, you might see your abuser’s vehicle parked outside the factory. This might be 300 yards away, but the presence of your abuser’s vehicle could still cause you to fear imminent harm. As a result, the judge might enforce a restraining order with a distance of more than 300 yards. This would prevent your abuser from parking anywhere near your workplace.
On the other hand, a shorter distance could be reasonable in certain situations. If you live in downtown Atlanta, your abuser might live only a few blocks away. Perhaps this distance is less than 200 yards. In this situation, a judge can’t really force the abuser to move out of their home – but they may be able to prevent them from coming anywhere near you. Therefore, a distance of 100 yards may be more than enough to keep your abuser from walking down your block.
Restraining Orders Apply to Digital Space as Well
You should know that a restraining order will likely prevent your abuser from coming into contact with you in the digital world as well. This includes messaging apps, social media, and anywhere else you spend your time online. These restrictions can be just as powerful as physical distances – especially if your abuser prefers to engage in cyberstalking and online harassment.
Can a Family Law Attorney in Atlanta Help Me Get a Restraining Order?
A family law attorney in Atlanta may be able to help you get a restraining order. Although it’s easy to get caught up in the details, the restrictions imposing physical distance are less important than you might think. Your first priority should be getting to a safe place – whether that means calling 911 or working with a lawyer to get a restraining order. Once you begin this process, you can discuss the details with the court and your legal representatives. To get started, contact Kaye, Lembeck, Hitt & French today.
Sources:
womenslaw.org/laws/ga/restraining-orders
georgia.gov/get-protective-order
