Prepare your documents for Domestic Violence Protection Order

In Tennessee, domestic violence refers to a pattern of abusive behavior used by one person to gain or maintain control over another person in a close relationship. Under Tennessee law (T.C.A. § 36-3-601), domestic violence involves acts of physical harm, threats of harm, or restraint between people who share a domestic relationship.

The Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) in Tennessee can require your abuser to:

• Not contact you and stay away from you (including moving out)

• Surrender any firearms or guns

• Follow child custody and visitation orders if you share children

• Release personal or household items such as passports, IDs, cell phones, or pets

A Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) in Tennessee cannot:

• End your marriage or domestic relationship—it is not a divorce or legal separation.

• Establish custody or parentage (paternity) of your children if you are not married to or in a domestic partnership with the abuser.

• Award child support or spousal support—these require separate legal actions.

• Resolve criminal charges against the abuser; it is a civil order for protection only.

Tennessee law makes it a crime to violate the terms of a Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO). Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-13-113, violation of a DVPO is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by fines and up to 11 months and 29 days in jail. Law enforcement can arrest the violator without a warrant, and the court may extend the order or impose firearm restrictions.

You do not need a lawyer to get a DVPO in Tennessee, as the process is designed to be accessible and many local programs offer free help. However, having a lawyer can be helpful, especially if the abuser contests the order.

In Tennessee, a Temporary Protection Order (TPO) can be issued quickly, often the same day you apply, lasting up to 15 days.

A full court hearing is then held within those 15 days to decide if an Extended Protection Order (EPO) should be granted, which can last up to one year. The entire process usually takes about two weeks but may vary by court.

In Tennessee, a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) can last up to one year. After that, it can be renewed or extended by the court if needed, sometimes for additional one-year periods depending on the situation.

A Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) in Tennessee is separate from divorce proceedings and does not end your marriage or directly affect the divorce itself. However, it can impact related issues during the divorce process, especially regarding child custody and visitation.

• A DVPO may influence the court’s decisions on custody and visitation to protect the safety of the victim and children.

• It does not determine divorce, division of property, or spousal support.

• Divorce and support matters must be addressed through family court separately.

• The DVPO focuses solely on preventing abuse and providing protection during and after the divorce process.