Get immediate help to protect yourself and your children from domestic violence
California law takes domestic violence quite seriously and offers many protections for victims. If you have suffered physical, verbal, emotional, or psychological abuse at the hands of a family member or intimate partner, it is important to contact your local law enforcement agency immediately, followed by an expert family law attorney such as Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell, LLP. This will ensure that the abuser is properly punished for their actions with criminal or civil penalties as appropriate.
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
There are three types of restraining orders that can be used to provide immediate help to victims of domestic violence. The first is an Emergency Protective Order, which is issued by law enforcement and valid for 5 days. The second is a Temporary Restraining Order which is issued by a family law court and can last around 21 days. This kind of restraining order is used for issues that are not serious enough to be considered by the district attorney. The third type of restraining order is a Permanent Restraining Order which can last up to 5 years. If these orders are violated, the abuser can be found in contempt of court, charged with a misdemeanor, or even get up to 1 year in jail.
Who Can Apply for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order?
You may qualify for a domestic violence restraining order if you or your child has suffered any type of abuse (or been the subject of a threat of abuse) at the hands a person with whom you have an intimate relationship. Examples of such persons include:
- Spouses or registered domestic partners
- Ex-spouses
- Current or former dating partners
- The other parent of your child
- Close relatives (by blood or marriage)
Look to Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell, LLP for Expert Representation and Support
At Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell, LLP, we understand the devastating effect that domestic violence can have on your family and your children. Even if the children are not abused themselves, if they witness domestic violence perpetrated against you they can be traumatized, and this can form the basis for child endangerment charges. Act now to protect yourself and your children by retaining us as your family law attorney today. We will make sure you secure the domestic violence restraining orders you need for peace of mind while your divorce, separation, or custody battle is making its way through the courts.