Allen Christopher v. Sarah Christopher

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.