Domestic violence is any incident by a household member against another household member resulting in physical harm or severe emotional distress. This can be through bodily injury or assault, a threat causing imminent fear of bodily injury by any household member, stalking, telephone harassment, etc. Household member can be a spouse; former spouse; family member, including a relative, parent, present or former stepparent, present or former in-law, child , or a person with whom the petitioner has had a continuing personal relationship. An order of protection is a court order granted for the protection of the victim of domestic violence. The court may:
1) require the restrained party to move out of the family residence
2) order that the restrained party have no contact with the protected party
3) if children are involved, the court may award temporary custody of any children and provide for visitation and child support; or
4) court may order professional counseling of the restrained party. If you need an order of protection or if you have been served with a petition and temporary order call to discuss. 984-1950, no obligation.