A special California law governs child custody decisions for families with a history of domestic violence. This law may apply if you have experienced physical harm or feel threatened by written or spoken abuse. How may domestic violence affect custody? Domestic...
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Domestic Violence
How do you get a restraining order?
If you have suffered abuse or threats of violence from a domestic partner or family member, you have the right to request a restraining order. The court can order the person from whom you seek protection to leave your home and keep his or her distance from you. There...
What is non-physical domestic violence?
Domestic violence in a relationship is never acceptable. It is a pattern of controlling behavior or coercive behavior that can be life threatening, according to The Center for Family Justice. In a domestic violence or abusive situation, one person in the relationship...
What should you do when served with a protective order?
Marriage often has at least a few tense moments; yours is likely no exception. Yet you may make the concerted effort to allow the emotions of such moments to overwhelm you and prompt you to act in ways you otherwise would not. Thus, following such an incident, you may...
What should I do if accused of domestic violence?
If you are a situation where a previous or current partner of yours is accusing you of domestic violence, time is of the essence. Clearly, being charged with domestic violence is a serious issue on its own, but there is also the court of public opinion to consider. A...
How can I cope with domestic violence?
Even if you've successfully gotten away from a domestic violence situation, you might still find yourself experience the emotional effects. Without the right assistance, these effects can last a lifetime and may even negatively impact your life in other ways. If...
California penal code section 243(e)(1)
California penal code section 243(e)(1) misdemeanor domestic violence is defined as willfully committing battery on a spouse or someone you live with. According to the California Legislative Information, it may include someone with which you have a dating...
What happens after a domestic violence arrest?
The time surrounding a domestic violence arrest is scary, confusing and difficult for everyone. Regardless of which side you are on, you may wonder what happens after the arrest in California. If you are the one arrested, it can be a very intimidating thing to not...
What power does a restraining order have?
If you are the victim of domestic violence in California, one of the best things you can do is to get away from your abuser. This can be difficult if you live together or often interact. In addition, it is common for an abuser to not want to leave the victim alone. He...
Domestic violence and child custody: What can you expect?
Before a family law judge in California makes any final custody determinations, he or she will take into consideration a number of factors. However, the most significant factor the courts will consider is the child's best interests. If a parent has a domestic violence...