Legal Help in Cases of Domestic Violence and Child Abuse
In stressful times, violent acts sometimes occur within families. Physical assaults, threats of violence and stalking are not uncommon in the time leading up to a divorce.
Uncommon or not, they are extremely serious. If you have been the victim of threats or emotional or physical abuse, it is essential to take immediate action to protect yourself and any children in your household.
If you would like to seek a protection order, contact the law office of Richard L. Morris Co. L.P.A. for prompt legal help. Our office is very responsive to the emergency needs of our clients, and we offer a free initial phone consultation. You can reach us by phone at 888-314-4187 (toll free) or 614-428-0052.
The Process of Getting a Protection Order
If you have been physically assaulted or threatened with violence by a member of your household (you need not be married, but you must be in a relationship), you can seek a protective order from a family court judge. A protective order is intended to keep the person away from you and other affected family members as long as it is in force, which can be for a period of 6 months to five years.
In order to get a protection order, you will need to attend two hearings. Attorney Richard L. Morris will attend both hearings with you. At the first hearing, the judge will decide if there is a reason to give you a temporary protective order. At the second hearing, 7 to 10 days later, more evidence will need to be presented to prove your claim that you fear you are in imminent danger. The second hearing will typically also be attended by the person you are seeking the order against and his or her lawyer.
Legal Help in Cases of Child Abuse
If a child's safety or wellbeing is under immediate threat, either by child abuse or by neglect due to alcohol or drug abuse, a parent or family member can seek an emergency custody order. When a child's welfare is at stake, Attorney Morris will work vigorously to obtain immediate relief from the court to protect the child.
Responding to a Protection Order
Just because an allegation of abuse has been made does not make it true — especially in divorce situations. Some people make false allegations of assault in order to gain an unfair advantage in divorce proceedings or to have a partner unjustly removed from the home. As your lawyer, Richard Morris will defend you in family court against any false charge of assault, threatening behavior, or child abuse.
Contact Us
If you are seeking emergency relief from domestic violence, child abuse or neglect, contact an experienced Ohio family lawyer at the Gahanna, Ohio law office of Richard L. Morris Co. L.P.A. for a free initial phone consultation. Call 888-314-4187 (toll free) or 614-428-0052.
