Allen Christopher v. Sarah Christopher

• Court: Court of Appeals of Georgia
• Decided: March 13, 2026
• Docket: A26A1341
• Status: Published

Opinion

Court of Appeals of the State of Georgia

ATLANTA,____________________ March 13, 2026

The Court of Appeals hereby passes the following order:

A26A1341. ALLEN CHRISTOPHER v. SARAH CHRISTOPHER.

In January 2026, the trial court entered an order modifying a 12-month family violence protective order previously entered against Allen Christopher. Christopher then filed this direct appeal. We lack jurisdiction. Appeals of orders in domestic relations cases — including actions arising under the Family Violence Act — must be initiated by filing an application for discretionary review. See OCGA § 5-6-35(a)(2), (b); Phaneuf v. Anthony, 375 Ga. App. 636, 637 (917 SE2d 191) (2025). “Compliance with the discretionary appeals procedure is jurisdictional.” Hair Restoration Specialists v. State of Ga., 360 Ga. App. 901, 903 (862 SE2d 564) (2021) (citation and punctuation omitted). Consequently, “[f]ailure to file an application when one is necessary requires that the appeal be dismissed.” Evans v. Jackson, 368 Ga. App. 170, 173(1) (889 SE2d 343) (2023) (citation and punctuation omitted). In light of Christopher’s failure to follow the proper appellate procedure, this appeal is hereby DISMISSED. Court of Appeals of the State of Georgia Clerk’s Office, Atlanta,____________________ 03/13/2026 I certify that the above is a true extract from the minutes of the Court of Appeals of Georgia. Witness my signature and the seal of said court hereto affixed the day and year last above written.

, Clerk.