Protective orders can drastically affect child custody issues in a number of ways…
First, the court has the authority to award temporary custody to the petitioner alongside a protective order, for example, if there is no other custody arrangement or order in place.
Second, the court can make a determination as to what visitation schedule should occur while the protective order is in effect. This determination would only be effective as long as the protective order is, which is typically for up to 12 months. This can certainly affect the ability of the respondent to see their children if the court formulates a custody schedule under the protective order.
Third, if the protective order is contested and goes to a hearing, the court has to make a finding as to whether or not the respondent committed an act of abuse under the statute. If the court finds that the respondent did commit an act of abuse, then the court will award the final protective order.