{"id":376488,"date":"2016-03-31T21:36:48","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:36:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/tennessee-law\/tennessee-protective-orders-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-05-04T12:58:23","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T17:58:23","slug":"tennessee-protective-orders-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/tennessee-law\/tennessee-protective-orders-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Tennessee Protective Orders Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Tennessee Protective Orders Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Protective orders, also called orders of protection<\/span> or restraining orders<\/span>, are court orders<\/span> issued by judges to protect victims from abusers. These Tennessee<\/span> court orders<\/span> can require an abuser to stay away from you, cease contact, surrender firearms, vacate a shared home, and follow other conditions designed to keep you safe.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

If you’re experiencing domestic violence<\/span>, understanding your legal options is an important step toward safety. In Tennessee<\/span>, protective orders can also require an abuser to vacate a shared home, grant you temporary custody<\/span> of children, and mandate that the abuser attend treatment programs.<\/p>\n

This guide explains what qualifies as domestic violence<\/span> in Tennessee<\/span>, the different types of protective orders available, the step-by-step process for obtaining one, what happens when an order is violated, and additional legal protections<\/span> for victims. Whether you’re considering filing for a protective order or need to enforce one you already have, a Tennessee<\/span> domestic violence<\/span> attorney<\/u><\/a> can help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights.<\/p>\n

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.<\/strong><\/p>\n

What Is Considered Domestic Violence<\/span> in Tennessee<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

Domestic violence<\/span> (also called domestic abuse<\/span> or domestic assault) in Tennessee<\/span> requires two elements: a qualifying relationship between the people involved and a qualifying abusive act.<\/p>\n

Qualifying Relationships<\/h3>\n

Tennessee<\/span> law<\/span> defines specific relationships<\/u><\/a> that qualify for domestic violence<\/span> protective orders:<\/p>\n