How to Get an Order of Protection in Tennessee
Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team · Tennessee · Last updated September 17, 2026
In Tennessee, an order of protection is a civil court order that directs an abuser to stop the abuse and stay away from you. You seek one under the state's domestic abuse law (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-601 and following) when a current or former spouse, a person you live with or dated, a co-parent, or a relative has abused, threatened, stalked, or sexually assaulted you. You start by filing a Petition for Order of Protection with the general sessions, circuit, or chancery court in the county where the abuser lives or where the abuse happened. You pay nothing to file or serve the petition (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-617). For good cause, such as an immediate and present danger of abuse, a judge can sign an ex parte order of protection the same day, without the other person present, based on your sworn petition (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-605(a)). That ex parte order takes effect at once and holds until a full court hearing, which the court must set within 15 days of the order being served on the respondent. At the hearing, the judge decides whether to grant a final order of protection, which can last up to one year and can be extended (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-605(b)). If you are in immediate danger, call 911; the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233. Attorney review of your petition is available through DocDraft.
Find out where you stand in Tennessee
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How do I get an order of protection in Tennessee?
File a Petition for Order of Protection with the general sessions, circuit, or chancery court in the county where the abuser lives or where the abuse happened. There is no cost to you (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-617). A judge can sign a same day ex parte order, and a hearing is set within 15 days.
How fast can I get an order of protection in Tennessee?
For good cause, such as an immediate and present danger of abuse, a judge can issue an ex parte order of protection the same day you file, without the other person present, based on your sworn petition (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-605(a)). That temporary order holds until a hearing set within 15 days.
How long does an order of protection last in Tennessee?
An ex parte order holds until your hearing, which the court sets within 15 days of service on the respondent. After the hearing, a judge can grant a final order of protection for a definite period not to exceed one year (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-605(b)). It can be extended if the abuser violates it.
Which court handles orders of protection in Tennessee?
You can file in the general sessions, circuit, or chancery court in the county where the abuser lives or where the abuse occurred. Tennessee courts provide the statewide Petition for Order of Protection form, and the clerk gives your petition to a judge for a same day decision on a temporary order.
Tennessee order of protection law at a glance
In Tennessee, an order of protection protects you from abuse, stalking, or sexual assault by a current or former spouse, a person you live with or dated, a co-parent, or a relative, under Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-601 and following. You ask for one by filing a Petition for Order of Protection with the general sessions, circuit, or chancery court, and you pay nothing to file or serve it (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-617). For good cause, such as immediate and present danger, a judge can issue an ex parte order the same day, without the other person present (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-605(a)). That temporary order holds until a full court hearing, which the court must set within 15 days of service on the respondent. A final order can last up to one year and can be extended if the abuser violates it (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-605(b)).
Getting a Tennessee order of protection after threats from an ex-partner
Your child's father in Tennessee keeps sending threatening messages and following you after custody exchanges. You complete the statewide Petition for Order of Protection, describe the threats with dates, and file it with the general sessions court at no cost (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-617). The same day, a judge finds an immediate and present danger and signs an ex parte order of protection (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-605(a)). A sheriff's deputy serves your former partner, which sets the hearing within 15 days. At the hearing you show the messages and testify. The judge grants a final order of protection lasting one year, ordering no contact and to stay away (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-605(b)). You keep a copy with you and calendar the expiration. Attorney review of your petition is available through DocDraft.
Relevant Laws
Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-605(a) (ex parte order and 15-day hearing)
Provides that upon the filing of a petition, the courts may immediately, for good cause shown, issue an ex parte order of protection, and that an immediate and present danger of abuse constitutes good cause. A full court hearing is set within 15 days of the ex parte order being served on the respondent.
Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-605(b)-(c) (duration and extension)
Provides that on a finding by a preponderance of the evidence of domestic abuse, stalking, or sexual assault, the court shall issue an order of protection for a definite period not to exceed one year, and that a respondent found in violation after a hearing may have the order extended up to five years, or up to ten years for a second or subsequent violation.
Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-617 (no cost to the petitioner)
Provides that no domestic abuse victim, stalking victim, or sexual assault victim shall be required to bear the costs, including court costs, filing fees, litigation taxes, or service costs, associated with an ex parte order of protection, order of protection, or a petition for either, and that such costs are assessed against the respondent if an order is issued.
Petition for Order of Protection (statewide form)
The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts publishes the statewide Petition for Order of Protection, along with the ex parte order of protection and final order of protection forms, through the courts' self-help center at no charge.
Regional Variances
Tennessee order of protection rules at a glance
Order name
Order of Protection, issued under Tennessee's domestic abuse law (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-601 and following). It covers abuse, stalking, and sexual assault by a spouse, partner, co-parent, or relative.
Where to file
The general sessions, circuit, or chancery court in the county where the abuser lives or where the abuse occurred. You pay no filing fee, court costs, or service costs (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-617).
Emergency and temporary orders
For good cause, such as an immediate and present danger of abuse, a judge can issue an ex parte order of protection the same day you file, without the other person present. It holds until a full hearing set within 15 days of service (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-605(a)).
Final order duration
After a hearing, a final order of protection lasts a definite period not to exceed one year, and can be extended up to five years, or up to ten years for a repeat violation, if the respondent violates it (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-605(b) and (c)).
Main form
The statewide Petition for Order of Protection, published by the Administrative Office of the Courts with the ex parte and final order forms. Court clerks and self-help resources provide the current forms at no charge.
Suggested Compliance Checklist
Complete the Petition for Order of Protection
As soon as possible after the abuse days after startingFill out the statewide Petition for Order of Protection, describing the abuse, your relationship, and specific dates. Use the free Tennessee court forms and court staff if you need help. Attorney review of your petition is available through DocDraft.
File your petition with the court
Same day you finish the petition days after startingFile the Petition for Order of Protection with the clerk of the general sessions, circuit, or chancery court in the county where the abuser lives or where the abuse happened. You pay no filing fee, court costs, or service costs (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-617).
Get and carry the ex parte order
Same day the judge signs it days after startingIf the judge issues an ex parte order of protection for good cause (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-605(a)), get the signed order and keep a copy with you. It holds until your hearing, which the court sets within 15 days of service on the respondent.
Arrange service on the respondent
Before the hearing days after startingIn Tennessee, law enforcement serves the respondent with the petition and any ex parte order at no cost to you (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-617). Service is required before the hearing, and it starts the 15 day clock for the court to hold the hearing.
Attend the court hearing with your evidence
Within 15 days of service on the respondent days after startingGo to the hearing and bring photos, messages, and any witnesses. Both sides can testify. The judge decides whether to grant a final order of protection (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-605(b)). If you miss the hearing, your ex parte order can expire.
Track the expiration and seek an extension if needed
Before the order expires (up to 1 year out) days after startingA final order lasts up to one year (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-605(b)). Calendar the expiration date. If the respondent violates the order, the court can extend it up to five years, or up to ten years for a repeat violation (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-605(c)).
| Task | Description | Document | Days after starting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete the Petition for Order of Protection | Fill out the statewide Petition for Order of Protection, describing the abuse, your relationship, and specific dates. Use the free Tennessee court forms and court staff if you need help. Attorney review of your petition is available through DocDraft. | - | As soon as possible after the abuse |
| File your petition with the court | File the Petition for Order of Protection with the clerk of the general sessions, circuit, or chancery court in the county where the abuser lives or where the abuse happened. You pay no filing fee, court costs, or service costs (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-617). | - | Same day you finish the petition |
| Get and carry the ex parte order | If the judge issues an ex parte order of protection for good cause (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-605(a)), get the signed order and keep a copy with you. It holds until your hearing, which the court sets within 15 days of service on the respondent. | - | Same day the judge signs it |
| Arrange service on the respondent | In Tennessee, law enforcement serves the respondent with the petition and any ex parte order at no cost to you (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-617). Service is required before the hearing, and it starts the 15 day clock for the court to hold the hearing. | - | Before the hearing |
| Attend the court hearing with your evidence | Go to the hearing and bring photos, messages, and any witnesses. Both sides can testify. The judge decides whether to grant a final order of protection (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-605(b)). If you miss the hearing, your ex parte order can expire. | - | Within 15 days of service on the respondent |
| Track the expiration and seek an extension if needed | A final order lasts up to one year (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-605(b)). Calendar the expiration date. If the respondent violates the order, the court can extend it up to five years, or up to ten years for a repeat violation (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-605(c)). | - | Before the order expires (up to 1 year out) |
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Tennessee law provides that no domestic abuse, stalking, or sexual assault victim must bear the court costs, filing fees, litigation taxes, or service costs of an order of protection or petition (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-617). If the court issues the order, those costs are assessed against the respondent instead.
For good cause, such as an immediate and present danger of abuse, a judge can issue an ex parte order the same day you file, without the other person present (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-605(a)). It takes effect once served and holds until a full hearing set within 15 days.
You can file if the person who abused, stalked, or sexually assaulted you is a current or former spouse, someone you live with or lived with, a person you dated or had a sexual relationship with, a co-parent, or a blood or adoptive relative (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-601). A parent can file for a child.
You file the Petition for Order of Protection, the statewide form Tennessee courts use to start the case. The Administrative Office of the Courts publishes it along with the ex parte order and final order forms. Court clerks and self-help resources provide the current forms at no charge.
The court holds the hearing within 15 days of the respondent being served (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-605(a)). Both sides can attend, present evidence, and testify. If the judge finds by a preponderance of the evidence that domestic abuse, stalking, or sexual assault occurred, the judge issues a final order of protection.
Yes. A final order can last up to one year (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-605(b)). If the respondent is found to have violated it after a hearing, the court can extend the order up to five years, and up to ten years for a second or later violation (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-605(c)).
Violating an order of protection is a crime in Tennessee. Call the police, who can arrest the person, and the court can hold them in contempt. A proven violation can also let the court extend your order up to five years, or up to ten years for a repeat violation (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-605(c)).
No. Tennessee courts let people request an order of protection on their own, using the statewide petition form and self-help resources, and you pay no filing or service costs (Tenn. Code Ann. 36-3-617). Legal help can be useful if the case is contested or the other person has an attorney.
Other Tennessee guides
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