Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is generally known as violence that occurs in the home, usually between family members, spouses or partners. It is a serious issue, but when children are involved, the seriousness escalates.
Domestic violence is legally defined as “abuse perpetrated against any of the following persons: a spouse or former spouse, a cohabitant or former cohabitant, a current or former dating partner or fiancé, the other parent (subject to certain presumptions), or any other family relation” (subject to California Family Code §6211).
California Family Laws are designed to prevent acts of domestic violence, abuse, and sexual abuse; as well as to provide for a separation of the persons involved in the domestic violence for a period sufficient to enable these persons to seek a resolution of the situation (California Family Code Section §6220).
What does this all mean for you?
If you are a victim of domestic violence, you should get help immediately, and follow these steps: 1 – call the police, 2 – request an emergency restraining order from the officer on-scene, and 3 – seek the advice and counsel of a domestic violence lawyer immediately. Family Law attorneys are essential in situations when a child custody dispute is pending. If you are accused of domestic violence and have restraining orders against you, you need to seek legal help immediately to protect your civil and parenting rights, especially if a child or a child custody dispute is involved. Call GRIFFIN DONNELL and ASSOCIATES, APC, to help protect you and those you love the most, your children.