Domestic Violence

Nobody should ever have to experience domestic violence, but we know from our clients and community work that this type of abuse happens much too frequently. California law uses the term “domestic violence” to describe family violence, or violence that takes place within the context of romantic or familial relationships. In general, whenever people are involved in a dating, family, or cohabiting situation and violence occurs, the law will typically define that abuse as domestic violence. We want you to know that there are many options available to help you get out of an abusive situation and to seek a divorce.

We can help you to seek protection when you are experiencing family violence, from assisting with your protective order to helping you get a divorce. While California is a no-fault state for divorce purposes, we want you to feel secure in knowing that a court will not refuse to grant a divorce just because your spouse does not want it. We can help you to dissolve your marriage and to seek the protection you need. We are here to assist you.

One of our family lawyers can help you to seek protection from domestic violence.

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Divorce and Emergency Protective Orders

We routinely represent clients who are in abusive relationships and need to seek protective orders. In California, we can help you to obtain an emergency protective order for the short term until a judge can hear your case. When you seek an emergency protective order, it is still possible to ask a court to make temporary decisions about important issues like temporary child custody and other issues that can help to keep you safe. For example, we can ask the court to prohibit your abuser from contacting you or your children, from coming within a certain distance of your home or workplace, or carrying a firearm. After the court issues an emergency protective order, it will typically set a court date to make a determination about a longer-term protective order in your situation. We work with clients who are seeking divorces and protection from domestic violence, and we can discuss options that may be available to you.

Domestic Violence and Child Custody Matters

We know how anxiety-inducing it can be to seek a divorce from a marriage involving domestic violence and to have children from the marriage. We want to reassure you that, although California courts want to ensure that both parents play an important role in their children’s lives after a divorce, family law judges certainly take into account issues of domestic violence. When one parent has been a domestic violence perpetrator and is at risk of endangering your children, the court can limit his or her access to the kids and, in some cases, might restrict that parent’s ability to see the children altogether.

Get the Help and Protection You Need

We know how difficult and frightening it can be to experience domestic violence, and our Pasadena divorce lawyers will do everything we can to help you get out of this situation while staying safe. We can help you to seek an emergency protective order, and we will advocate for your rights every step of the way throughout your divorce case. Nobody should have to experience family violence.

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Domestic Violence