What is a temporary Order of Protection in TN?

In TN, a temporary Order of Protection is a civil order signed by a judge that prohibits one person from contacting or going near another person. Orders of Protection are meant to protect victims of 1) domestic abuse, 2) stalking, or 3) sexual assault. Unlike ex parte Orders of Protection, a temporary Order of Protection is only issued after a hearing in which both the Petitioner (victim) and Respondent (defendant) have the opportunity to present their case to the Court. While ex parte Orders only last 15 days, a temporary Order can last for up to one year and may be modified as the Court see fit. The term “temporary” is a little misleading as there is no “permanent” Order of Protection in TN. Violating any protective order is a criminal offense.