Finding A Dometic Violence Lawyer
In the 20 minutes it takes to read this article, a person in the United States suffers from physical abuse by their partner. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) estimates more than 10 million women and men are victims of domestic violence. Additionally, physical violence by an intimate partner affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men within their lifetime.
These are sobering statistics, but if you are a victim of domestic violence, it helps to know you are not alone. What helps, even more, is a domestic violence lawyer that helps you out of a terrible situation. Additionally, a domestic violence lawyer fights for you and your children so you can leave a dangerous, life threatening environment and focus on healing. There are several ways a domestic violence lawyer can keep you safe.
1. A Domestic Violence Lawyer Supports and Represents You in the Court of Law
Your domestic violence lawyer needs to be competent in four areas. They must have a complete understanding of:
- the law regarding family violence,
- domestic violence itself and its dynamics,
- cultural issues relating to the representation of a victim of domestic violence, and
- collateral legal issues and litigation.
With this knowledge, your attorney acts as your advocate in court. Furthermore, they obtain and complete required documents and deal with the abusive party, so you don’t have to. Abuse is traumatic; you don’t want to go into court and face your abuser alone. Finally, a competent domestic violence attorney deals with the opposing party and fights for you throughout the legal process.
2. A Domestic Violence Lawyer Obtains a Protection Order
You may know it better as a “restraining order.” This protective legal action allows you to call the police if the abuser breaks any aspect of the protection order. Therefore, a restraining order helps keep you safe and supports your domestic violence case. Notwithstanding, there are various provisions available within an order of protection:
- No contact – Prohibits the abuser from any contact with the victim. This includes emailing, texting, calling, attacking, stalking, hitting, or disturbing you in any physical way.
- Peaceful contact – If your case involves children, a peaceful contact provision allows the abuser to communicate regarding the care and transfer of the child.
- Stay away – A judge orders the abuser to stay a certain amount of distance away from the victim whether it be the person, their home, job, school, or car. A judge typically defines this range in an amount of yards or feet.
- Move out – If the parties share a home, the abuser leaves.
- Firearms – The abuser surrenders any guns they own and cannot purchase another firearm throughout the duration of the case.
- Counseling – This provision order the abuser to attend batterer’s intervention, anger management, or another form of counseling.
3. A Domestic Violence Lawyer Files Your Lawsuits
In cases of domestic violence, there tend to be two lawsuits you want to submit: divorce and a domestic violence lawsuit. If you are legally married, your domestic violence attorney assists you throughout the divorce process. They support your right to alimony and oversee the division of marital property. On the other hand, a domestic violence lawsuit allows the victim to receive compensation for medical expenses, financial loss, and suffering caused by spousal abuse.
You need an attorney that files both lawsuits if needed. Additionally, your domestic violence lawyer takes care of the legal jargon and walks you through the stressful processes.
4. A Domestic Violence Lawyer Protects Your Children
If your relationship involves children, the domestic violence case is intrinsically more challenging. So, your domestic violence attorney protects your kids if they are in danger of abuse. Additionally, they fight for custody of the child for you. Furthermore, they obtain child support from the other parent, so you have the financial assistance to raise the child in a healthy environment.
Are you a victim of domestic violence or emotional abuse? Contact Lewert Law, LLC or call, free of charge, at 561-544-6861. Attorney Tina L. Lewert and her team fight for their clients’ safety in cases of domestic abuse.