Domestic violence will leave physical and emotional scars. Violent situations could happen at any time but can increase during a divorce or separation. A domestic violence attorney in Lititz, PA will be able to help an individual who is involved in an abusive relationship.
Domestic violence could occur between a husband and wife, domestic partners, immediate family members, former spouses or domestic partners, or parents of a child. An individual shouldn’t feel afraid in their home or other locations they might frequent.
Civil or Criminal Charge
When an individual commits domestic violence, the person can be charged in a criminal court by a prosecutor. In addition to a criminal charge, a victim can file a claim in the civil court for a Protection from Abuse Order.
How Can a Protection from Abuse Order Help a Victim?
When an individual is a victim of domestic violence, a Protection from Abuse Order can limit the contact the abuser has with the victim. A protection order could exclude an abuser from a home, provide a temporary custody order for minor children of the relationship, establish temporary support, and provide an additional layer of protection for the abused individual.
What Happens If an Individual Violates a Protection Order?
If an abuser violates a Protection from Abuse Order, they will be arrested and placed in jail. In addition to being in civil contempt of an order, the police have the authority to arrest the individual. Each subsequent violation of the order could result in extensive jail time, loss of custody of a minor child, and much more.
Filing for a Protection Order
A domestic violence attorney in Lititz, PA can help an individual file for a Protection from Abuse Order in the civil court. An initial protection order is temporary until a full hearing is held on the fact of the case. An abuser cannot be arrested for violating a protection order until they have been served with the order from the court.
The Law Office of Melissa R. Montgomery can help if you have been a victim of domestic violence. They will provide the caring and compassionate legal representation you need for this difficult situation.
