A protection order can help keep you safe if you are experiencing domestic abuse. No woman should suffer abuse, and it is important to take decisive action. It isn’t easy to seek help, but when you have the support of an experienced family law attorney, you will have the support you need to move forward.
If you are in immediate danger, then you should contact the police straight away. Once the immediate danger has passed, you should speak to a family law attorney who can take steps to protect you and your family.
At Woodford Sathappan McGee, we represent women exclusively. We believe that this gives us a unique ability to meet women’s needs and support them so that they ensure a safe and stable future.
As a woman, you have powerful constitutional rights. If you have suffered abuse, we can help you file a protection order which will keep your spouse away from you and your children. We will then work to ensure that the Judge understands the extent of your experiences. If you are fighting for divorce or child custody, we will ensure that the abuse is considered at every stage.
The attorneys at Woodford Sathappan McGee share a single vision – to support women through family law matters and restore their confidence.
We know how to work with an abusive spouse and will set clear boundaries to ensure that your voice is heard.
Contact us today at 380-212-3731 to arrange a free consultation with a dedicated family law attorney for women.
A protection order is an official court order that is issued by a Judge. A protection order orders an abuser to stop specific actions to help keep the victim safe.
A protection order could stop someone from contacting you, coming to your home or workplace, threatening you, or hurting you.
To protect your children or other family and household members, a protection order could be issued for up to five years and can also include provisions.
Obtaining a protection order could be the first step in separating from your spouse. It can give you the time and space you need to evidence your claims to a Judge, make important decisions, and fight for things like a fair division of property, child support, and child custody.
You can file for a protection order if a family member, intimate partner, or former internment partner is abusing you, including physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, or threats.
It is also possible to file for a protection order against someone you have never had an intimate relationship with if they have abused you.
If you are dealing with a family matter, then an attorney from Woodford Sathappan McGee can help. We will help you decide whether a protection order is right for you and will work with you to determine the correct type of order to file for. We will then work with you to separate your life from your abuser.
While there are some commonalities between states, such as the general purpose of protective orders, the specific requirements for obtaining a protective order, the types of protective orders available, and the procedures for enforcing them can differ.
For example, some states may have different definitions for what constitutes domestic violence or abuse, which can affect the criteria for obtaining a protective order. Additionally, the length of time a protective order remains in effect can vary between states. Some states may allow protective orders to be extended beyond the initial duration, while others may require the individual seeking protection to reapply for a new order.
In some states, a protective order may also include provisions related to child custody or visitation, whereas in other states, this may require a separate legal proceeding. The specific requirements for enforcement, penalties for violation, and other procedural details can also vary between states.
Before seeking a protective order in a state, it is crucial to learn the laws and procedures related to protective orders there. Consulting with a local attorney can also provide guidance and support during the process.
There are different types of protection orders in Ohio, including temporary, civil, and criminal protection orders. Which one you can file for will depend upon your relationship with the abuser, the type of abuse you have suffered, the abuser’s age, and whether there is an ongoing criminal case.
In Ohio, protection orders and restraining orders are different. While a restraining order is always a part of another legal case, such as a divorce, a protection order can be filed separately.
If you are navigating a divorce in Ohio, then a restraining order could prevent your ex-spouse from taking action while the divorce is in the process, such as preventing them from selling the family home.
The consequences of violating a restraining order or a protective order are also different. While violating a restraining order is not a crime, violating a protection order is. Civil contempt and criminal contempt are different, and someone who violates a protection order faces serious consequences, such as jail time.
In Indiana, protective orders work a little differently. There is no such thing as a restraining order in Indiana. Instead, if you have experienced abuse from a romantic partner or family member, you may be able to file for an Indiana Protective Order. There are a few different options available for women who have suffered abuse, and an attorney can help you decide what avenue to take. The options available to women in Indiana include the following:
In Michigan, a protective order is also known as a Personal Protection Order (PPO), which is a legal order issued by a judge to protect a person from another individual’s harmful actions or behavior. In the case of women, a PPO can be obtained if they are experiencing abuse or violence from a spouse, intimate partner, or another person with whom they have had a domestic relationship.
To obtain a PPO in Michigan, a woman can file a petition with the court that includes specific information about the abusive behavior, such as threats, physical violence, or stalking. The petition should also include information about the abuser, including their name, address, and any relevant details that can help the court understand the situation.
Once the petition is filed, the court will review it and may issue a temporary PPO, which can provide immediate protection to the woman while the court considers the case. If the court determines that the woman is in danger, it may issue a final PPO, which can last for up to three years.
A PPO can include various provisions, such as ordering the abuser to stay away from the woman, prohibiting them from contacting or harassing her, and requiring them to relinquish firearms. If the abuser violates the terms of the PPO, they may face criminal charges and penalties.
In addition to Personal Protection Orders (PPOs), Michigan law provides for two other types of protective orders:
It’s important to note that while these protective orders may have different names and requirements, they all exist to provide legal protection and support to individuals who are at risk of harm or violence from others. If you are in need of a protective order in Michigan, it’s important to speak with a qualified attorney to determine which type of order is best for your situation.
Leaving an abusive marriage is incredibly difficult, and we recommend that you secure representation from an experienced divorce attorney who can act as your advocate in every divorce mediation and litigation.
Your attorney will help you understand your options and will fight to protect your rights when leaving a marriage. Once a protective order is in place, you can get to work to reach outcomes on child custody, child support, property division, and spousal support. Securing a favorable outcome will help you to move forward with your life feeling secure and confident.
Temporary orders are sometimes issued by a Judge so that a divorcing couple has some legal guidance while they wait for their divorce to be finalized. For example, a temporary custody order could give parents a parenting schedule to follow that stays in place until the divorce is finalized. A temporary child support order could also be beneficial.
If a marriage has been abusive, then temporary orders are even more vital. You may believe that you should have sole custody of your children and could fight for a temporary emergency order. You can also use temporary orders to prevent your spouse from misusing your property, such as spending large amounts of savings or selling your home.
Child custody is always an emotional issue, but when you are leaving an abusive marriage, it becomes even more complex. Family law courts act on the presumption that it is in the child’s best interests for both parents to remain involved in their life. Therefore, if you believe your ex-spouse poses a risk to your children, you will need to provide evidence to a Judge.
Even if you can show a Judge that your ex-spouse is a risk to your child’s wellbeing, they may still allow for supervised visitation. A family law attorney could be integral to ensuring that the court understands the extent of your experiences and makes a decision that protects your family.
Parents have a legal obligation to contribute financially to the upbringing of their children. Often, one parent becomes the primary caregiver after divorce, and the other will need to pay child support. In cases involving abuse, even if one parent loses their parent’s rights, they may still be made to pay child support.
Child support is essential for many mothers, as it allows them to leave their marriages feeling confident that they can meet their children’s needs, such as food, shelter, clothing, toys, and more.
Spousal support is financial support that one spouse is sometimes ordered to give the other when a marriage ends. It is not awarded in every case, and when it is, it is usually because one spouse has given up work and education opportunities to care for children and a home. Spousal support can be given for a limited amount of time to allow that spouse to undergo training or to find work.
Spousal support could give you the financial stability you need to begin to rebuild your life after leaving an abusive marriage. If we believe you are owed support, then we will fight on your behalf.
Dividing property is highly complex, and it is important that the outcome supports your needs both now and in the future.
Anything that you or your partner acquired over the course of your marriage is marital property, including real estate, bank accounts, offshore accounts, pensions, and more. Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio are equitable distribution states which means that marital property must be divided in a just and fair way.
To decide what a just and fair division looks like, the court will consider many factors, including whether the marriage was abusive, the length of the marriage, the contributions of each spouse, each spouse’s ability to earn money, who has primary care of the children, and how much separate property each spouse has.
Your divorce attorney at Woodford Sathappan McGee will take the time to learn what’s important to you so that they can work to protect it. We will be your advocate in every negotiation to ensure that you get a fair share of your property.
If you are considering a protection order, then your divorce is likely to be high-conflict. Every divorce has the potential for conflict, but a high-conflict divorce usually stems from a marriage that was made difficult by toxic relationship dynamics. It often involves a long and drawn-out divorce process where one spouse tries to manipulate the situation to get what they want.
You may have put off divorce for many years due to fear of how your spouse would behave. Once you finally make the decision to move forward, it can be incredibly stressful, which is why it is important that you have the support of an experienced attorney.
The most important piece of advice is to secure representation from an attorney who has experience dealing with divorces involving high conflict and a history of abuse. Your attorney will be a constant source of support and will ensure your rights are protected throughout the process. If they have the right experience, then they will be equipped to handle your case, no matter its complexity.
We believe that an important part of supporting women through a divorce is empowering them with knowledge of their rights. We offer realistic advice and practical strategies for handling each stage of your divorce.
You may also want to speak to a therapist or life coach who can help you to learn coping skills, how to set boundaries, or even how to create a post-divorce budget.
Once you leave an abusive spouse, their abusive behaviors often become more and more apparent. Once you start recognizing them, it is important to establish and maintain boundaries. An experienced attorney can help you achieve this by clearly defining your goals and limits and providing a space for you to communicate. You may choose not to communicate with your spouse outside of a supported setting.
When you have the support of an attorney who has worked with abusive people before, they will understand the importance of boundaries and will not allow them to control negotiations. They will set clear boundaries for when and where divorce matters can be discussed.
Divorcing an abusive spouse is one of the most difficult things a person goes through in their life. Therefore, you should prioritize self-care by making time for activities you enjoy, spending time with friends and family, and by speaking with a therapist or coach.
If you have experienced domestic abuse, then an attorney from Woodford Stahapapan McGee can help you to explore your options so that you can take decisive action to keep yourself and your family safe. It is incredibly difficult to take those first steps, but with an experienced attorney by your side, you will have the support and guidance you need to start rebuilding your life.
At Woodford Sathappan McGee, we represent women in family law matters exclusively. This gives us a unique ability to meet their needs and support them in difficult cases such as those involving protection orders.
We take a highly personalized yet professional approach and will support and guide you through each stage of your case. Our goal is for you to walk away feeling secure and confident in your future.
Arrange a free consultation with our experienced lawyers at 380-212-3731.
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