Martha Carey v Jared Spivey Georgia Order: Appeals Court Addresses Protective Order

• The Georgia Court of Appeals issued an order on September 30, 2026, in the case of Martha Carey v. Jared Spivey (A27D0152).
• Martha Carey and Jared Spivey are the parents of three minor children.
• The appellate order relates to a trial court's decision from August 18, 2026, which issued a family violence protective order against Martha Carey.
• This protective order included a provision for the award of temporary custody of the children.
• The case highlights the intersection of family violence protective orders and child custody determinations in Georgia courts.

A significant component of this protective order was the award of temporary custody, indicating a change in the children's living arrangements or parental responsibilities as a direct consequence of the findings related to family violence.

The Georgia Court of Appeals recently issued an order in the case of Martha Carey v. Jared Spivey, identified as A27D0152, on September 30, 2026. This appellate action pertains to a family law matter involving Martha Carey and Jared Spivey, who are the biological parents of three minor children. The order from the Court of Appeals addresses a prior ruling from a lower tribunal concerning a family violence protective order and temporary custody arrangements.

The appellate court's order stems from a decision made by a trial court on August 18, 2026. On that date, the trial court had entered a family violence protective order specifically against Martha Carey. A significant component of this protective order was the award of temporary custody, indicating a change in the children's living arrangements or parental responsibilities as a direct consequence of the findings related to family violence. The specific details of the temporary custody award, beyond its inclusion in the protective order, were not elaborated upon in the appellate court's brief order.

In Georgia, family violence protective orders are established under state law to safeguard individuals from acts of violence, threats, or harassment within a domestic context. These orders are typically issued by a superior court judge after a petition is filed and evidence is presented demonstrating a need for protection. The issuance of such an order against a parent, as seen in the Martha Carey v. Jared Spivey Georgia order, often has profound implications for child custody, as the court's primary concern is the safety and well-being of minor children.

When a family violence protective order is granted, it can include various provisions, such as prohibiting contact, ordering an abuser to move out of the family home, and, critically, making determinations regarding temporary custody of children. The Georgia legal system prioritizes the children's best interests in these situations, and a finding of family violence can significantly influence a court's decision to modify or award temporary custody to the non-offending parent or another suitable guardian. This interplay between a family violence protective order Georgia and temporary custody Georgia case highlights the serious nature of these proceedings and their immediate impact on families.

The Georgia Court of Appeals, as an intermediate appellate court, plays a crucial role in reviewing decisions made by trial courts across the state. Its orders, even if concise, represent a formal judicial action that either affirms, reverses, or modifies a lower court's ruling. For legal professionals practicing family law in Georgia, monitoring cases like the Carey Spivey custody dispute is essential, as they illustrate how appellate courts interpret and apply statutes related to family violence and child custody.

While the full opinion of the Georgia Court of Appeals A27D0152 is not detailed in the initial announcement, the mere issuance of an order in a case involving a family violence protective order and temporary custody underscores the ongoing judicial scrutiny of these sensitive matters. Attorneys advising clients in similar situations must be acutely aware of the potential for protective orders to directly affect parental rights and custody arrangements, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation and understanding of Georgia's family law statutes and appellate precedents.

Lawyers practicing family law in Georgia should be aware of this specific case, Martha Carey v. Jared Spivey, as it involves a family violence protective order and temporary custody, which could set a precedent or illustrate current judicial approaches in similar disputes. While the article only announces the order, monitoring its full opinion (if released) would be crucial for understanding its implications for client advice or litigation strategy.

Source: Original reporting via Georgia Court of Appeals