Domestic Violence · Protective Orders
Domestic Violence and Protective Order Lawyers in Louisville and Nashville
Wise & Associates represents people filing for protection and people responding to a petition. In Kentucky, the Louisville office handles EPO, DVO, and IPO cases in Jefferson Family Court and surrounding counties. In Tennessee, Wise Law, the Nashville office, handles orders of protection in Davidson and surrounding counties. Consultations are free and by phone.
Kentucky: EPO, DVO, and IPO
| EPO | Emergency protective order. Issued before a hearing when a judge finds an immediate danger. A hearing is generally scheduled within 14 days. |
|---|---|
| DVO | Domestic violence order. Entered after a hearing for cases between family members or members of an unmarried couple. Can last up to three years and can be renewed. |
| IPO | Interpersonal protective order. Covers dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Can last up to three years. |
| What an order can include | No-contact terms, temporary custody, and temporary support |
| Governing law | KRS Chapter 403 (EPO and DVO) and KRS Chapter 456 (IPO) |
| Office | Louisville, (502) 618-0000 |
Tennessee: Orders of Protection
| Ex parte order | A temporary order a judge can issue before the other party is heard |
|---|---|
| Hearing | Generally held within 15 days of service on the respondent |
| Order of protection | Entered after the hearing. Can last up to one year and can be extended. |
| Who can file | Victims of domestic abuse, stalking, or sexual assault |
| Governing law | Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-3-601 and following |
| Office | Nashville, (615) 208-9190 |
If you are seeking protection
- If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
- Write down dates, times, and details of each incident.
- Save texts, voicemails, photos, and other evidence.
- Call the office for your state to talk through filing and the hearing.
If you have been served with a petition or order
- Follow the order exactly, including any no-contact terms. Violating a protective order is a crime in both states.
- Note your hearing date. The hearing is your chance to respond.
- Do not contact the petitioner to discuss the case.
- Call the office for your state before the hearing.
Protective Order Questions
What is the difference between an EPO and a DVO in Kentucky?
An EPO is an emergency protective order a judge can issue before a hearing. A DVO is a domestic violence order entered after a hearing where both sides can be heard. A DVO can last up to three years and can be renewed.
What is an IPO in Kentucky?
An IPO is an interpersonal protective order. It covers dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, and can last up to three years.
How long does an order of protection last in Tennessee?
After a hearing, a Tennessee order of protection can last up to one year and can be extended.
Can a protective order affect custody?
Yes. A protective order can include temporary custody and support terms, and a finding of domestic violence can be considered in later custody decisions.
Does Wise & Associates represent people responding to a protective order?
Yes. The firm represents both people filing for protection and people responding to a petition, in Kentucky and Tennessee.
Talk to an Attorney
Consultations are free and by phone. Book a time, then call the office at your scheduled time.