Domestic Violence
Haddon Heights Domestic Violence Attorneys Helping Victims
New Jersey’s Prevention of Domestic Violence Act provides important protections for individuals who have been harmed or abused by their spouses, former spouses, domestic partners and other members of their households. If you or a member of your family is a victim of domestic violence, our Haddon Heights attorneys can help you seek protection in the New Jersey courts, and we encourage you to contact us right away so that we can begin the process of filing for a restraining order.
What is Domestic Violence?
Under New Jersey law, domestic violence is defined as the commission of any of the following acts against (i) a spouse or former spouse, (ii) any other household member, (iii) a parent of a shared child (including a pregnant mother), or (iv) someone with whom the abuser is in a dating relationship:
- Homicide
- Assault
- Terroristic threats
- Kidnaping
- Criminal restraint
- False imprisonment
- Sexual assault
- Criminal sexual contact
- Lewdness
- Criminal mischief
- Burglary
- Criminal Trespass
- Harassment
- Stalking
If you or a loved one has experienced violence, it is not important that you know which specific offense the abuser has committed. What is important is that you seek help as soon as possible. At Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P.A., our Haddon Heights domestic violence attorneys can take action immediately to protect you (if necessary), and we will be by your side every step of the way until you and your loved ones have adequate legal protection in place.
What is a Domestic Violence Restraining Order?
Under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, the primary form of protection available to victims of domestic violence is a domestic violence restraining order. When you go to court, the first step is to obtain a temporary restraining order (TRO), which the judge will grant if he or she determines that there is an imminent danger of further violence. Once issued, the TRO will be sent to law enforcement immediately so that it can be served on the abuser. After obtaining a TRO, you can then seek a final restraining order, which may include protections such as:
- Granting you exclusive use of your residence
- Preventing the abuser from possessing guns or other weapons
- Restraining the abuser from appearing at your place of work or your children’s school
- Restraining the abuser from committing further acts of domestic violence
- Restraining the abuser from having any contact with you, either directly or through others
- Restraining the abuser from following or stalking you or from threatening to damage your property
A final domestic violence restraining order can also:
- Address parenting time rights or grant temporary custody of a child
- Require the abuser to attend counseling or anger management
- Provide emergency monetary relief (such as child support)
- Impose civil monetary penalties
Also, with respect to individuals going through a divorce, please note that frequently, spouses/paramours utilize restraining orders to settle disputes about parenting time, possession of the residence, the kids, as result of jealousy or revenge, or to obtain a financial advantage in a divorce.
Contact Us Now to Speak With Our Haddon Heights Domestic Violence Attorneys
If you would like help filing for a domestic violence restraining order in Haddon Heights, please contact us right away. You can reach our offices at (877) 435-6371; or, if you send us your contact information, we will be in touch as soon as possible.
