Orders of Protection · Nashville Office
Order of Protection Lawyer in Nashville, TN
Wise Law represents both petitioners and respondents in order of protection cases in Davidson County and surrounding Tennessee counties. A hearing is generally held within 15 days of service of an ex parte order, and an order of protection can last up to one year. At Wise Law, upfront flat fees range from $1,500 to $5,000. Wise Law is the Nashville office of Wise & Associates, Louisville, Kentucky.
Tennessee Orders of Protection: Key Facts
| Our fees | At Wise Law, upfront flat fees for order of protection cases range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on how much litigation is required. See pricing |
|---|---|
| Where | Davidson County, and Williamson, Rutherford, Wilson, and Sumner counties |
| Who can file | Victims of domestic abuse, including current or former spouses, family members, people who live or lived together, and people who are dating or have dated, and victims of stalking or sexual assault |
| Ex parte order | A temporary order a judge can issue without the other side present when the petition shows an immediate danger |
| Hearing | Generally within 15 days of service of the ex parte order |
| How long it lasts | Up to one year, and it can be extended |
| What it can include | No contact, stay-away terms, temporary custody and support, possession of the residence, and firearm restrictions |
| Governing law | Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-3-601 and following |
| Handled by | Paige Redd, Managing Attorney, Nashville |
Who We Represent
Petitioners
People seeking protection: preparing the petition and evidence, and presenting the case at the hearing.
Respondents
People served with an ex parte order: following the order, preparing a defense, and protecting rights that are at stake, including parenting time and firearms.
Parenting plans and protective orders
When a court finds abuse, the parenting plan must include limits to protect the child and the other parent. Nashville child custody
Orders of protection and divorce
Cases where an order of protection and a divorce are pending at the same time. Tennessee divorce
How an Order of Protection Case Works in Tennessee
Petition
The person seeking protection files a sworn petition describing what happened.
Ex parte order
If the petition shows an immediate danger, a judge can issue a temporary order right away.
Service
The respondent is formally served with the petition, any ex parte order, and the hearing date.
Hearing
Both sides can testify, present evidence such as messages, photos, and police reports, and call witnesses. The judge decides.
Order or dismissal
The judge enters an order of protection, or dismisses the petition.
Enforcement and extension
Violating an order of protection is a crime. Before an order expires, the protected person can ask the court to extend it.
Credentials
- Paige Redd, managing attorney, Nashville: licensed in Tennessee since April 2020, practicing family law in the Nashville area for nearly her entire career. Read her bio
- Christopher Wise, founder of Wise & Associates: Super Lawyers Rising Stars, 2023–2027; Louisville Business First 20 People to Know in Law, 2023 and 2026.
- Wise & Associates: Best Law Firm in Louisville, The Courier Journal Best of Louisville (reader-voted), Winner 2022 and 2023, Top 3 2025 and 2026. All awards
Nashville Order of Protection Questions
How much does an order of protection lawyer cost in Nashville?
At Wise Law, upfront flat fees for order of protection cases range from $1,500 to $5,000, depending on how much litigation is required. The firm does not bill hourly, and the first consultation is free.
How long does an order of protection last in Tennessee?
An order of protection entered after a hearing can last up to one year, and the court can extend it.
Who can get an order of protection in Tennessee?
Victims of domestic abuse, including current or former spouses, family members, people who live or lived together, and people who are dating or have dated, as well as victims of stalking or sexual assault.
What should I do if I am served with an ex parte order of protection?
Follow the order exactly, do not contact the petitioner in any way, note your hearing date, and talk to a lawyer before the hearing. If there is also a criminal charge, anything you say at the hearing can be used in that case.
Does an order of protection affect custody in Tennessee?
Yes. An order of protection can include temporary custody and parenting time terms, and when a court finds abuse, the permanent parenting plan must include limits to protect the child and the other parent.
Can I be charged with violating an order if the petitioner contacts me?
Yes. The order restrains the respondent, so responding to contact from the petitioner can still be a violation. Violating an order of protection is a crime in Tennessee.
Talk to a Nashville Order of Protection Lawyer
Order of protection hearings move quickly. Consultations are free and by phone. Book a time, then call the office at your scheduled time.
Wise Law4235 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 300, Nashville, TN 37215
(615) 208-9190
Wise Law is the Nashville office of Wise & Associates, Louisville, Kentucky.
Attorney advertising. This page provides general information, not legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.