There is nothing worse than coming home and immediately feeling threatened. Unfortunately, countless Americans live this reality every single day, and if you are a victim of domestic violence, you should strongly consider speaking with our compassionate Bergen County, New Jersey domestic violence lawyer today. Contact HD Family Law to learn more about how our legal team can assist you.
Bergen County, New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyer | Protecting Victims in New Jersey & New York
If you are a victim of domestic violence, you need to understand that you have options. No matter how trapped you may feel, you must know that you are not alone, and our Bergen County, New Jersey family law attorney is ready to help you through every step of the legal process going forward.
What Qualifies as Domestic Violence?
The first thing you should know about domestic violence is that it can occur between any gender, race, and sexual orientation. Both men and women can be abusers, and both men and women can be victims of domestic abuse as well. Domestic violence can occur between intimate partners (whether they are married, were married, or are simply dating), and it may also occur between anyone who is a former or current member of a household.
You should also note that domestic violence, unfortunately, comes in many forms, such as physical attacks, verbal abuse, sexual abuse, or psychological abuse. If you believe that you are a victim of domestic violence, you most likely are, and the time to act is now.
How Do I Get a Restraining Order in New Jersey?
After an incident of domestic violence occurs, you should not wait to document and report the incident. You should understand that you are protected under the New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991, which allows victims of domestic violence to pursue both civil and criminal relief from their abuser.
After an incident of domestic violence, you should report it either to your local police department or to your local family court. Of course, if you believe you are in immediate danger, you should call 911. From here, the abuser should receive a Temporary Restraining Order, which essentially prohibits him/her from seeing or contacting you and your children (if you have children) until the date of your Final Restraining Order hearing.
Final Restraining Orders
In most cases, Final Restraining Order hearings are scheduled within 10 days of issuing the Temporary Restraining Order. At this hearing, it is critical that you and your Bergen County, New Jersey domestic violence lawyer can prove that the incident(s) of domestic violence truly occurred and that you truly require a permanent restraining order against the violent individual. We can use medical documents, pictures, text messages, and more to prove the incident(s) of violence occurred. Once the restraining order is made final, you may also file criminal charges against the individual either where you live, where you are being sheltered, or where the violent offender lives.
Domestic Violence & Child Custody
Oftentimes, an act of domestic violence will either lead to a divorce or occur even after a divorce has been executed. Regardless of when the act occurred, if you have a child with the violent person and are either divorced or getting divorced, there is a very good chance that the act of domestic violence should modify or influence your child custody agreement. If you are looking to keep your child safe from a violent former spouse or partner, our firm can help you seek a modification to your initial divorce agreement.
Contact a Bergen County, New Jersey Domestic Violence Lawyer
If you are a victim of domestic violence, you cannot afford to wait another day. Contact HD Family Law to learn more about the process ahead and how our experienced and compassionate legal team can help get you to safety.
