How a Family Law Lawyer Can Help Victims of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a serious problem that affects millions of families every year. Even in cases where the abuser and victim don’t physically harm one another, it can have a huge impact on the lives of those who witness the abuse. This includes children who live with the perpetrator, but also people who are in the same household as the abuser.

A victim’s emotional well-being is also directly affected by the domestic violence she experiences. She may be unable to cope with her feelings and she might experience depression or other mental health issues that negatively affect her life. She might be emotionally isolated from friends and family, which makes it harder for her to seek help.

It’s often a good idea for victims of domestic violence to ask for a restraining order or a protection from abuse order to keep the abusive person away from their children and their homes. However, this can be difficult if the accused spouse is not aware that they have an alleged domestic violence incident on their record, or if they are trying to hide their abuse from their ex-spouses or the courts.

In addition, it’s important for a victim to know how domestic violence issues are likely to play out in their divorce. If there is a history of abuse, the court will almost certainly factor it into the custody and parenting time decisions. It will also weigh the actions of the abuser against the victim and any current standing custody agreements.

For example, if the victim has a PFA, and the abuser violates that order, it can have an impact on the decision to grant her supervised visitation or not. The judge will take into consideration the threat the abuser presents to the children, as well as their physical safety.

A family law lawyer who is familiar with these issues can provide valuable guidance to a victim of domestic violence. They can advise the victim on how to present their case in family court, and they might suggest ways to make it easier for them to prove their claims.

Family law lawyers are also often involved in criminal cases involving domestic violence. This can be especially important if a parent is being charged with a crime that they have committed in front of the child.

Getting legal advice from a domestic violence lawyer can make a world of difference in the outcome of your case. They will be able to determine whether your accusations of abuse are valid, and they can help you find the best solution for your situation.

As a law student, you can gain invaluable experience in the field of family law by volunteering at community clinics and working on externships. This can be an excellent way to decide if this is the right career for you.

In addition to gaining practical experience, family law students can learn about the issues that are most relevant to their future careers. They can learn how to represent clients in family court and understand the implications of domestic violence on other areas of the law, such as property division. They can also get hands-on practice with the process of filing a restraining order against a domestic abuser.