You will likely get the TPO by default
No idea. You deserve both safety and child support but if you could only pursue one of these two things, which would it be? Going after child support means engaging your ex. Engaging your ex will mean escalating the conflict… Can you see where I am going with this? If you are in fear of your life, you might decide that chasing down the child support, even though you deserve it and the court ordered it, isn’t a wise move. Someone on this site once advised me to read Gavin DeBecker’s Gift of Fear. I found it very useful. You might as well.
You wait until he is done speaking and respond truthfully and calmly.
That isn’t going to happen as part of the TPO.
If anyone but your minor child witnessed the violence or threats, I would say yes, absolutely bring them. Putting your minor child on the stand against their father would be poor form.
Have you contacted the Georgia Domestic Violence hotline? The line is open 24/7 and the number is 1-800-33-HAVEN. The can refer you to the nearest local DV shelter or outreach center, where you can services that include some legal information. You do not have to need shelter to access the services they can provide. This often includes an advocate to accompany you to court for the restraining order even if you will have an attorney present.
Regarding your attorney, attorneys are trained in the law. Very few have any domestic violence training. So, while they are skilled at the legal aspect of obtaining the TPO, many are completely unaware of the risk factors of domestic violence. I wouldn't use my doctor to do my taxes, nor my CPA to check my heart. Both are smart, but they are an expert in their own fields. Domestic violence advocates are experts in domestic violence. So that is where you should seek advice for your safety.
If you are scared then take precaution. That level of caution you exercise however, should apply regardless of whether a TPO is granted. You have described an ex that is mentally unstable and not concerned with breaking the law or following court orders. Frankly, this is the type person on whom a TPO is least likely to be effective at deterring violence. You need to consider that TPOs while often useful are simply pieces of paper.
I urge you to reach out to that number I gave you for some local help.
Good luck.

