Domestic Violence/Abuse
Domestic violence and abuse can be an issue in a family law case. Substance abuse, mental illness, child abuse or neglect, and harassment are components of domestic violence and abuse. If an individual feels threatened, assaulted, endangered, harassed, abused, stalked or fears for their safety or that of their child or children, a family law attorney can assist with the process of obtaining an Order of Protection, or an Injunction against Harassment through the court system. Orders of Protection can be obtained from a municipal court, or Justice of the Peace Court. However, if there is a pending action in Family Court, the Order of Protection or Injunction must be obtained through the Superior Court. Injunctions against harassment are sought if a person engages in a series of acts over a period of time in a way that causes you alarm, or their actions are harassing.
In a family law case, the Court may consider the services of various agencies to assist the parties in coping with the abuse or domestic violence.
The following is a list of services that the Court may consider useful in such a case:
- Private Mental Health Services
- Substance Abuse Screening
- Parent Education and Parenting Skill Classes and Parental Conflict Resolution Classes
- Supervised Exchange; Supervised Parenting Time; Therapeutic Supervision
- Family Violence; Domestic Violence Shelters
- Batterer Intervention and Prevention Programs
- Child Protective Services
Domestic violence is contrary to the best interests of any individual or child. That is why it is so important to contact knowledgeable individuals to help you in your time of need and frustration. The firm of Udall Shumway PLC is a firm that can help you in this area.