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Family Law

The Importance of Restraining Orders in Domestic Violence Cases

A domestic violence restraining order is a vital tool to use in any situation where there is an immediate threat of harm to the person who filed for it and their children. It is a way for family members, close friends, or even strangers to have legal authority to prevent a perpetrator of domestic violence from coming within a specific distance of a victim.

The person who is filing for the restraining order will have to gather evidence that can be used in court, including eyewitnesses and medical records. They will also need to provide proof that the defendant was physically harmed or threatened with physical harm.

There are several types of restraining orders that are used in domestic violence cases. They include:

Emergency Protective Order (EPO) – This is an order that can last up to a week and requires the abuser to leave the home immediately until a judge decides whether to grant it or not.

Temporary Restraining Order – This is an order that can last between 20 and 25 days and requires the abuser to stay away from the person who filed for it and their children until a judge decides on whether to grant it or not.

Permanent Restraining Order – This is an order which is in effect for one to five years and can be renewed or withdrawn later.

If you need a restraining order, it is critical to hire an experienced restraining order attorney who is familiar with your state’s laws and court procedures. These attorneys can guide you through the process and help you obtain the best possible outcome for your case.

These types of restraining orders are often called “exclusionary orders,” meaning that they can exclude the abuser from coming within a certain distance of the protected person and their home, workplace, school or child care, vehicle, or other places they frequent. They also can prevent the abuser from contacting or harassing the protected person, or even from taking clothing or personal belongings until a court hearing.

The most important thing to remember is that it is never too late to seek a restraining order. Your restraining order lawyer can help you build a solid case, including getting corroborating evidence and gathering eyewitnesses.

A restraining order attorney can also represent you in any subsequent family law proceedings, such as divorce, custody, or child support proceedings. The impact of a restraining order on the outcomes of these matters can be dramatic, so it is important to consult with an experienced family law attorney to ensure that you are fully protected.

In addition to protecting you from further violence, a restraining order can be a valuable weapon in your defense against criminal charges of domestic violence that were falsely brought against you. Violating a restraining order can result in harsh penalties, such as jail time, fines, and loss of custody or visitation rights. For more details on domestic violence law visit https://www.themiamidivorceattorneys.net/.