St. Petersburg Domestic Violence Lawyer
If you have become a victim of domestic violence, or you are facing accusations, our St. Petersburg domestic violence lawyer can help you through this difficult time. You may be able to obtain court-ordered protection for you and your family if you are a victim, or challenge the evidence presented against you to give you the best chance of a positive outcome in your family law case.
Common Examples of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence can take many forms, but there are some examples that are more common than others. These include:
- Physical harm, such as when a member of the household or family strikes you, touches you intentionally without your consent, or causes you bodily harm
- Sexual assault and battery, such as when a member of the household or family sexually violates you or makes regular harassing remarks
- Threats of physical harm made by a member of the household or family
- Stalking, including cyber stalking
- False imprisonment, including when a member of the household or family imprisons or restrains you without your consent
Obtaining Court-Ordered Protection
The family and criminal courts in St. Petersburg take domestic violence very seriously. As such, when an accusation has been made, there are legal ways victims can seek protection from the court. The different forms of court-ordered protection include:
- A restraining order against the offending member of the household or family, which prohibit them from contacting the victim and other household or family members
- Awarding the victim with exclusive use and possession of the family home
- A temporary parenting plan that limits, prohibits, or provide for supervised time-sharing with the household or family member
- Establishing temporary child support for minor children
- An order directing the offender to participate in certain intervention programs or to seek other treatment options
Obtaining a Divorce After Domestic Violence
Naturally, domestic violence is very destructive to relationships and so, victims often want to seek a divorce when the offender is their spouse. Divorce cases involving domestic violence are particularly complex. For example, one challenge is that mediation is usually ordered in Florida divorce cases. Although mediation is very effective, it is not usually appropriate in cases that involve domestic violence. Mediation requires both parties to be on equal footing in order for it to work and this is never the case with domestic violence.
Domestic violence can also have a lasting impact on certain terms of a divorce case, including child support, time-sharing, and property division. If you have been a victim or you are facing allegations, it is critical that you speak to a lawyer who can advise you of your legal options.
Call Our Domestic Violence Lawyer in St. Petersburg Today
If you are getting a divorce that involves domestic violence or accusations of it, you need sound legal advice. At Greene & Greene, our St. Petersburg domestic violence lawyers can answer your questions, advise on your case, and help you determine the best path for moving forward. Call us now at (727) 821-2900 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
