How a Domestic Abuse Lawyer Can Help You Seek Justice

A domestic violence attorney can help you get a protective order against your abuser. It’s essential to document the abuse with pictures, video, and text messages, saving it in a safe place rather than a shared account the defendant could access. Your attorney can also execute temporary orders preventing abusive behavior. This includes harassment, disparaging behavior, and threats.

Divorce

Many abuse victims are afraid to leave their abusive spouses because they will not be able to support themselves financially. A domestic abuse lawyer Hernando County, FL, helps victims receive spousal support and child support from their ex-spouses. This takes a huge burden off of the victims so that they can stay away from their abusive partners, especially if they have children. Abuse victims can use hospital records, phone text messages, social media, and other evidence to show that they need a protective order or that their partner cannot be trusted with their children. A domestic violence lawyer can help them gather this type of evidence and present it in court so that they get the justice that they deserve. Those accused of domestic violence can face severe consequences such as a criminal record, jail time, being registered as a sex offender, a tainted reputation, and loss of employment opportunities. A domestic violence attorney can help them fight these allegations.

Restraining Orders

In the immediate aftermath of an incident of domestic violence or harassment, a family court judge can issue a temporary order of protection. This prevents contact with the abuser and stops further incidents of harassment or violence. To get an order of protection, you must file a petition in the Family Court. You must provide a detailed description of the abuse or harassment you suffered and any physical evidence. Witness testimonies and statements can also be essential and strengthen your case by providing third-party corroboration that you are in danger. It can be emotional trying to go to Family Court and state your allegations to a judge in person, but it is necessary for your safety. Your attorney can work with you throughout the process, ensuring the judge hears your side and considers all evidence before issuing a permanent restraining order. If you believe that your petition was wrongly denied, we can also fight to have the order restored.

Child Custody

Survivors of domestic violence face many legal issues when trying to leave their abusive partner. Often, they need to make arrangements for their children. They may also have other legal concerns, such as property division or divorce. Child custody laws vary between states, but most courts prioritize a child’s best interests when deciding custody and visitation. In some cases, the court will hire a forensic expert to interview and test parents and children and submit a report to the court. Survivors of domestic abuse are often poor, and family law cases (including those related to violence) make up the most significant portion of the legal aid caseloads for LSC grantees.

Criminal Charges

Depending on the details of your accusations, your abuser can be charged with a crime like assault or battery. Serious consequences such as jail time, fines, restraining orders, loss of child custody and visitation rights, and more may result from these charges. You can defend against any criminal charges you may be facing with the aid of a domestic violence attorney. They will look into your case and search for proof that either you did not do the alleged act or that the witnesses for the prosecution are lying. You can sue your abuser in civil court with the assistance of a lawyer. You may recover financial damages for your losses and injuries by filing a civil lawsuit for damages. Additionally, they can help you obtain an Order of Protection, which will keep your abuser at bay.