Tennessee § 36-3-603 - Duration of protection order — Petition for protection order in divorce action.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-3-603 — Duration of protection order — Petition for protection order in divorce action., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 36-3-603. Duration of protection order — Petition for protection order in divorce action.
If an order of protection is in effect at the time either the petitioner or respondent files a complaint for divorce, the order of protection shall remain in effect until the court to which the divorce action is assigned: Modifies the order; Dissolves the order; or Makes the order part of the divorce decree. If the court modifies the order or makes the order of protection part of the divorce decree, the court shall issue a separate order of protection. The clerk shall immediately forward a copy of any order of protection issued and any subsequent modifications to the petitioner, respondent, and the local law enforcement agencies having jurisdiction in the area where the petitioner resides in the manner provided by § 36-3-609(e). Nothing in this section shall prohibit a petitioner from requesting relief under this part in a divorce action. Acts 1979, ch. 350, § 2; T.C.A., § 36-1202; Acts 1986, ch. 715, § 1; 2017, ch. 241, § 1. Amendments. The 2017 amendment rewrote (a) which read: “If an order of protection is ordered by a court and either the petitioner or respondent files a complaint for divorce, the order of protection shall remain in effect until the court in which the divorce action lies modifies or dissolves the order.”; added (b) and (c); redesignated former (b) as present (d); and substituted “this part” for “this section” in present (d). Effective Dates. Acts 2017, ch. 241, § 2. July 1, 2017. Law Reviews. Enjoining Abuse: The Case for Indefinite Domestic Violence Protection Orders, 67 Vand. L. Rev. 1015 (2014).
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 36-3-603
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-3-603 cover?
Section 36-3-603 ("Duration of protection order — Petition for protection order in divorce action.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Tennessee § 36-3-603?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-3-603" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 36-3-603 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.