Domestic violence is a serious crime which impacts both men and women. Each year, people from every social and economic background are assaulted, harassed, and threatened by their spouses or cohabitants. If you are a victim of domestic violence, it is important to know that you are not alone—help is available. A Temporary Order of Protection can be issued very quickly and it will require the person named to stay away from you, which can last from one year to several years, depending upon the seriousness of the case. You and your family members do not have to suffer abuse or threats.
Temporary Order of Protection
The objective of a Temporary Order of Protection is to eliminate any physical contact between you and your abuser. A Temporary Order of Protection can include a number of items such as:
- An order requiring the person who committed the domestic violence to stay away from a person, home, workplace, school, or other location
- An order to maintain a certain distance from the person who is being protected
- An order not to call or otherwise contact the protected person (by e-mail, text, and/or mail for instance) at home, work, and/or another location
- An order requiring no contact with other relevant and interested persons
- A temporary visitation schedule to see the children with designated locations for pickups and drop offs
- An order for temporary support until the matter is formally addressed in the divorce or non-dissolution division of the courts
Obtaining a Temporary Order of Protection — What You Need To Know
If you are a victim of domestic violence, you can obtain a Temporary Order of Protection against your abuser at either the court or at your local police station.
After you have filled out paperwork detailing all of the domestic abuse you have suffered (both past and present), a judge will speak to you regarding your situation. The Gulley Law Firm can represent you and help you present evidence that support your claim on the paperwork. Once your case has been heard, the judge will determine if a Temporary Order of Protection should be issued.
When the judge grants your Temporary Order of Protection, the police officers have the authority to remove the abuser from your home, in order to protect you from further abuse.
During this confusing and emotional time, it is important to know that you are not alone. The Gulley Law Firm will help you through the process. Contact us today!