Help from a Domestic Violence Lawyer
Many who are victims of domestic violence believe they do not need or cannot afford a domestic violence lawyer. However, even if you are only looking to file for an injunction (also known as a restraining order), having an attorney can benefit you in many ways.
Your Lawyer is an Expert at Paperwork
Assuming you choose an experienced domestic violence lawyer, they will know what type of injunction to file and how to do so. Poorly or incorrectly filed paperwork holds up more cases than virtually anything else. With their help, your case can move through the system more quickly.
They Can Include Requests for More Than Just the Injunction
Although many cases of domestic violence are situations where a couple lives or lived together, that is not always the case. If you have children with someone and they have repeatedly abused or threatened you, your children, or another family member in an attempt to get you to obey or bend to their will, you want the help of a domestic violence lawyer.
Your Attorney Can Also File for Divorce & More
If you are married to your abuser and are ready to divorce, utilizing your domestic violence lawyer as your divorce lawyer makes sense. Your attorney can request that you and the children remain in the family home and order the abuser out. It is to your benefit to utilize the same attorney for your divorce as they already know a great deal about your case. (Assuming they did a good job and you feel comfortable with them.) If you are already divorced, in addition to the request for injunction, they can request to file for custody or amend visitation. This may also lead to child support modification which they can also include in their filing.
Ask Them for Referrals to Programs & Resources
It is never easy to end or leave a relationship. And for an abuse victim of any kind it can be scary. Attorneys experienced in domestic violence and abuse situations have resources they can and want to share with you. Your tax dollars fund these programs which means they are free or on a sliding payment scale. If you feel you and your children are in danger, please reach out to the national hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.
Wagstaff & Pitelis Can Help
Our compassionate and experienced team are here to help you with a divorce, injunction, child custody, or support modification and more. If you are looking for a domestic violence lawyer, call (727) 584-8182 or fill out our contact form for your initial consultation.