Discovering that your ex is stalking you can trigger fear, confusion, and uncertainty about your legal rights. At Hobson & Hobson, P.C., our Atlanta family law attorneys help clients navigate this dangerous situation with strategic legal solutions tailored to Georgia’s stalking laws.
Recognizing Stalking Behavior: Key Warning Signs
The National Center for Victims of Crime defines stalking as a pattern of behavior that makes you fear for your safety. Common signs your ex is stalking you include:
- Repeated unwanted calls/texts (87% of stalkers use technology according to RAINN)
- Appearing at your workplace, gym, or social events unexpectedly
- Monitoring your social media through fake accounts
- Sending threatening messages referencing your daily routines
- Damaging property or leaving disturbing “gifts”
If you suspect your ex husband is stalking you, document every incident with timestamps, photos, and witness contacts. This evidence becomes critical for obtaining legal protection.
3 Immediate Legal Steps to Stop a Stalking Ex
Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 16-5-90) allows victims to pursue both criminal charges and civil restraining orders. Here’s how our attorneys help:
- File for a Family Violence Protective Order We expedite petitions showing proof of stalking behavior to secure court-ordered protections like:
- No-contact mandates
- Stay-away zones around your home/work
- Surrender of firearms
- Build a Criminal Case We collaborate with law enforcement to:
- Preserve digital evidence (texts, GPS data, social media)
- Secure witness testimony
- Push for felony charges in severe cases
- Modify Existing Court Orders For clients with prior divorce/custody agreements, we update arrangements to:
- Restrict communication to approved parenting apps
- Supervise child exchanges
- Impose financial penalties for violations
“Stalkers often escalate behavior if unchallenged. Early legal intervention breaks their pattern of control.” – Christopher Hobson, Managing Partner at Hobson & Hobson, P.C.
How We Protect Clients From Stalking Ex-Partners
With 30+ years combined experience in high-conflict family cases, our team employs proven strategies:
| Tactics | Protective Benefits |
|---|---|
| Emergency TPO Filings | Same-day court orders in urgent cases |
| Digital Forensics | Trace spoofed numbers/hidden social accounts |
| Safety Planning | Secure housing referrals & identity protection |
| Contempt Actions | Enforce order violations with jail time |
Recent case example: We helped a Smyrna mother obtain a 5-year restraining order after her ex installed tracking software on her car, using cell tower data to prove 78 unauthorized location visits.
When to Suspect Covert Stalking Tactics
Modern stalkers often use subtle methods that leave victims questioning “Is my ex stalking me?” Watch for:
- Unexplained login alerts on streaming/cloud accounts
- Friends receiving strange questions about your activities
- Mail going missing or tampered packages
- New followers on social media with no mutual connections
Pro Tip: Conduct monthly electronic sweeps of devices and enable two-factor authentication on all accounts.
FAQs: Dealing With a Stalking Ex
Q: Can I get a restraining order if we have children together? A: Yes. Georgia courts prioritize safety over unrestricted parental access. We help modify custody orders to include supervised exchanges and monitored communication.
Q: What if my ex violates the protective order? A: Immediately call 911, then contact us to file contempt charges. Each violation can result in 10 days to 12 months jail time under GA Code § 16-5-95.
Q: How much does it cost to hire a stalking attorney? A: Hobson & Hobson, P.C. offers flexible payment plans. Initial consultations start at $250, with many clients qualifying for emergency fee reductions.
Q: Can stalkers be rehabilitated? A: While some states mandate counseling, Georgia focuses on victim protection. Only 13% of stalkers stop without legal consequences according to the National Institute of Justice.
Take Back Control Today
Don’t let ex stalking behavior dictate your life. Our five metro-Atlanta offices provide discreet consultations to discuss:
- Emergency protective filings
- Digital privacy audits
- Long-term safety strategies
Contact Hobson & Hobson, P.C. at (678) 504-6455 or through our 24/7 online form to schedule a confidential case review. For immediate danger, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.
“Your safety isn’t negotiable. We bring relentless advocacy to stop stalkers while protecting your privacy.” – Sarah Hobson, Lead Litigation Attorney
Attorney Sarah Hobson at Hobson and Hobson, P.C. are powerful advocates for those who fight for better futures for those going through divorce and custody law matters.