Tampa Domestic Violence Attorney
Domestic violence can affect intimate relationships and family situations, including marriages with minor children. Florida courts take domestic violence extremely seriously, and there are options available under Florida law for seeking protection from this type of violence and abuse. In the family law context, a person who has been the victim of domestic violence can petition the court for an injunction to stop the abuser from continuing to contact you or act violently toward you. This kind of injunction is also known as a protective order or a restraining order. When there is domestic violence in a family situation, the existence of abuse can affect a person’s parental rights and child custody, as well. Whether you need assistance seeking an injunction for protection against domestic violence or you have questions about how domestic violence can impact child custody, you should seek advice from an attorney who can help. Contact our experienced Tampa domestic violence attorney today.
How Domestic Violence in Tampa Can Impact Your Family Law Case
When courts begin assessing a family situation for purposes of determining child custody and time-sharing arrangements, they consider many different factors that help to show what type of arrangement is in the best interests of the child. One of those “best interests” factors is evidence of domestic violence or child abuse. Accordingly, domestic violence can impact family law cases in a wide variety of ways, including child custody cases. When courts have concerns about domestic violence in a child custody case, they can limit or restrict parenting time, depending upon the specific circumstances of the case.
Whether you have concerns about an abusive ex sharing custody, or you have concerns about how domestic violence allegations can affect your ability to have child custody and to continue to enjoy parental rights and responsibilities, you should seek advice from a domestic violence lawyer in Tampa.
Steps to Seek an Injunction for Domestic Violence in Tampa
It is common for a person in a marriage or dating relationship, or in a family situation, to seek an injunction for domestic violence as a form of civil protection. It is important to know that, under Florida law, domestic violence takes many different forms, including physical violence, psychological violence and threats, sexual violence, and stalking or harassment. In order to be eligible for an injunction for protection against domestic violence in Florida, you will need to show that you are seeking an order against a family or household member. Florida law defines a family or household member as one of the following:
- Current or former spouse;
- Person related to you by blood or marriage;
- Person who currently lives or was living with you; or
- Someone with whom you share a child.
If you are eligible for a domestic violence restraining order, you will then need to go through the following steps:
- File a petition at the courthouse;
- Wait for a judge to review the petition, and to potentially grant a temporary restraining order;
- Hearing will be set on the calendar;
- Respondent will be served; and
- You will attend a full hearing for a long-term order.
Contact The Law Office of Laura A. Olson, P.A. Today
If you need assistance with a domestic violence situation, a lawyer at The Law Office of Laura A. Olson, P.A. can help. Contact our experienced Tampa domestic violence attorney today.
