Domestic Violence Lawyers in Los Angeles, California
At WHITMARSH FAMILY LAW, PC, our domestic violence attorney in Los Angeles understands the stress, anxiety, and fear that comes with being involved in — and trying to keep yourself safe from — an abusive relationship.
Whether it is one involving a spouse, one that becomes increasingly dangerous during a divorce, or an abusive relationship with an ex-partner or close relative, we know the threats are real and you need help.
We understand how difficult it can be to reach out to a domestic abuse lawyer near you and take the first step to get the help you need to keep you and your family safe. We are here to help provide real legal solutions that allow you to start anew.
Contact our domestic violence lawyer in Los Angeles today to discuss your unique legal needs during a free initial consultation.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LAWYERS IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
In the state of California, domestic violence is defined as any abuse or threats of abuse between individuals of a certain, even intimate, relationship.
This can include:
- Spouses
- Domestic partners
- Individuals who are dating or previously dated
- Individuals residing together
- Parents
- Children
Ultimately, domestic violence refers to situations where the abused individual and their abuser are related closely, whether it is through blood or marriage.
WHAT QUALIFIES AS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN CALIFORNIA?
According to domestic violence/abuse laws in Los Angeles, California, there are a variety of different actions that qualify as domestic abuse.
In addition to intentionally or recklessly harming — or attempting to harm — someone, the Los Angeles domestic violence lawyer also says action is domestic violence if it involves:
- Physical Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Emotional Abuse
- Economic Abuse
- Psychological Abuse
- Stalking
- Cyberstalking
- Threatening someone or making them unreasonably afraid that they or another individual will be severely hurt.
- Harassing, threatening, hitting another person, disturbing another individual’s peace, or destroying personal property.
In many cases, domestic violence involves some type of physical abuse. It is important to note that physical abuse does not just refer to hitting.
Domestic violence can involve other harmful behavior like kicking, pushing, shoving, throwing things, or pulling hair. It can also refer to intentionally scaring or following another person, or the act of preventing someone from coming or going freely. California law also classifies physical abuse against family pets as domestic violence.
However, abuse does not have to be physical to be considered domestic violence. Many domestic violence cases involve verbal abuse, as well as emotional or psychological trauma. The most important thing to remember about domestic violence is that someone does not have to be hit to be a victim.
If you are in an abusive relationship, or believe the individual’s behavior is escalating, contact our domestic violence lawyers in Los Angeles today to learn more about your legal options, so you can get the help — and safety — you need.
WHAT OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA?
Due to the intimate relationship between domestic violence abusers and victims, it can often be difficult for a victim to come forward or feel that there are options for support or resolution.
However, there are some legal options that victims can take to eliminate contact with an abuser.
One such option is a domestic violence restraining order, which can be issued in situations that meet two key criteria:
- An individual has abused you (or made threats of abuse).
- You have a close relationship with the abuser, such as a spouse, roommate, parent, or close relative.
In situations where a parent is attempting to act after the abuse of a child, it is possible to file a restraining order on behalf of the minor child, which can help protect them if they are not of a mature enough age to file one on their own.
Our Los Angeles domestic violence attorneys can help you determine the best legal course of action for your unique needs, starting with a free case evaluation.
For Los Angeles domestic violence cases where a restraining order is not possible, there are still options for protection, based on the victim’s unique circumstances.
They may include:
- Civil Harassment Restraining Orders
Civil harassment restraining orders may be pursued after one person has been the target of abuse, threats of abuse, stalking, sexual assault, or serious harassment by someone they have not dated and do not have a close relationship with.
- Workplace Violence Restraining Orders
Workplace violence restraining orders protect an employee from suffering unlawful violence or credible threats of violence in the workplace, and can demand the restrained to not contact, go near, harass, or threaten the employee. A workplace violence restraining order must be requested by an employer on behalf of an employee who needs protection.
- Gun Violence Restraining Orders
A Gun Violence Restraining Order is a court order that prohibits someone from having a gun, ammunition, or magazines to prevent someone you worry about from having guns and being dangerous to themselves or others.
It can order someone to:
- Not possess or own a gun, ammunition, or magazines.
- Not buy a gun, ammunition, or magazines.
- Turn in any guns, ammunition, and magazines to the police, sell them to or store them with a licensed gun dealer.
- Criminal Protective Orders
A Criminal Protective Order (CPO) is an order a judge makes to protect a witness to, or victim of, a crime. Such persons are referred to as “Protected Persons.” A CPO is routinely issued in cases involving domestic violence charges when a defendant appears in court for the first time. A criminal protective order is requested by the district attorney bringing the criminal charges in a case. If a judge grants a CPO, it can remain in effect for up to ten years.
- Elder Abuse or Dependent Adult Abuse Restraining Orders
Elder abuse restraining orders can be filed by someone who is 65 years or older who is suffering from abandonment, isolation, neglect, physical abuse, financial abuse, being transported out of state against their will, or other behavior that causes pain, physical harm, or mental suffering.
You do not have to navigate the California court system alone. This is a very important time in your life, and we want to help you obtain the proper protective order that will allow you to move forward with confidence. Contact our Los Angeles domestic violence attorneys today to learn more about your legal rights and options, so you can take back control of your life.
At WHITMARSH FAMILY LAW, PC, our family law attorney in Los Angeles, CA focuses on the following practice areas:
- Divorce
- Child Support
- Child Custody
- Spousal Support
- Prenuptial Agreement
- Same-Sex Prenuptial Agreement
- Paternity
Los Angeles Domestic Abuse Attorneys
If you or someone you love has been the victim of domestic violence in Los Angeles, CA, know that you are not alone, and there is legal help available to protect you and your loved ones from your abuser.
That’s where the dedicated Los Angeles Domestic Abuse attorney at WHITMARSH FAMILY LAW, PC come in. Throughout Southern California, including Los Angeles County, our legal team provides in-depth legal support that victims need when dealing with abusive circumstances, including those who are experiencing difficult and dangerous domestic situations.
Our Los Angeles domestic violence lawyers can work with you to evaluate your domestic violence case and determine what protections may be available and, if necessary, bring your case before a court of law.
CALL LOS ANGELES DOMESTIC ABUSE LAWYERS AT WHITMARSH FAMILY LAW, PC
We know dealing with Los Angeles domestic violence cases are never easy, but our legal team of Los Angeles Domestic Abuse attorneys is prepared to help you and your loved ones every step of the way. To schedule an initial consultation to assess your Domestic Abuse case, contact the skilled Los Angeles Domestic Abuse lawyers at WHITMARSH FAMILY LAW, PC at (310) 552-3505.
CALIFORNIA DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SUPPORT AND INFORMATION
- California Partnership to End Domestic Violence
- American Bar Association, Commission on Domestic & Sexual Violence
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline
Domestic Violence Support and Information
- California Partnership to End Domestic Violence
- American Bar Association, Commission on Domestic & Sexual Violence
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline
Related Links:
- California Man Receives Five-Year Sentence in Domestic Violence Case
- Man Finds Stepson Dead in Closet in Case of Alleged Domestic Abuse
- Southern California Police Sergeant Pleads Guilty to Domestic Violence Charge, Resigns
- Top 5 FAQs about Family Law
- Five Common Reasons Couples Seek Divorce in California
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR OUR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ATTORNEYS IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
While it is impossible to know if someone is abusive or not on sight, there are common characteristics that may point to their upcoming actions.
They may include, but are not limited to:
- Insisting on moving quickly into a relationship.
- Seeming “too good to be true” through excessive charm.
- Insisting you stop participating in activities you enjoy, including spending time with family and friends.
- Jealous or controlling behavior or comments.
- Refusing to take responsibility for their actions, blaming others for anything that goes wrong.
- Criticizing their partner’s appearance, including frequent put-downs.
If you need help taking control back, contact our experienced domestic abuse attorneys in Los Angeles today.
Approximately 85% of the victims of domestic violence are women. However, this statistic only refers to the victim’s gender and does not refer to the gender of her partner. Therefore, 85% includes women in straight and same-sex relationships, and the other 15% includes men in both heterosexual and same-sex relationships.
Domestic abuse can begin at any stage in a relationship, but it is rarely a one-off incident. Incidents of violent, threatening, or controlling behavior become more frequent and severe over time. On average people experience 50 incidents of domestic abuse before getting effective help
Our domestic abuse lawyer in Los Angeles knows that technology can be used to help increase safety, as you have immediate access to emergency help. However, it can also be used by others to harass, abuse, or harm victims. Before using online resources, know that your electronic devices may not be safe. Some abusers misuse technology to track their victim’s activities on a computer, tablet, or mobile device.
You can read more about technology safety at TechSafety.org.
If your children are in school, daycare, or with a childcare professional, notify each party or institution of the order, and provide each with a copy. It is also important to tell friends, family, or others who interact with the children about the order, so they can help keep them safe if the abuser tries to contact the children when you are not around.
Call the police. Any contact, direct or indirect, is a violation of the protective order, and may result in an additional criminal charge.
There are multiple resources available for friends and family members who want to help someone they love to escape an abusive relationship. They include the National Domestic Violence Hotline, One Love, and Safe Connections to name a few.
Some abusers can change, but may require a great deal of therapy, treatment, and support to recognize, understand, and want to change their behaviors. Abusers often promise to change when the victim threatens to leave. However, the abuse often escalates and leads to severe dangers. Change must be actively sought by the abuser, as only he or she can control their path to rehabilitation.
Our Domestic Violence lawyers in Los Angeles are well-versed in California’s family law statutes. We can guide you through the legal process, help obtain restraining orders, and advocate for your rights, ensuring your safety and well-being.
If you’re a victim of domestic violence, prioritize your safety by contacting law enforcement immediately. Just as importantly, you should reach out to our experienced Domestic Violence attorneys in Los Angeles to discuss legal actions, such as obtaining a restraining order, to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Our approach involves a combination of empathy and assertiveness. We gather evidence, collaborate with relevant authorities, and strategize to ensure the best possible outcome for your case. Our priority is your safety and the swift resolution of your legal matters.
Yes, our legal team can assist you in seeking modifications or lifting restraining orders based on changing circumstances. We will evaluate your situation and guide you through the necessary legal procedures.
If your ex has a domestic violence allegation, then their visitation may be changed or halted for a period of time. The Los Angeles courts prioritize children’s safety, and if they believe the child is in danger then they will make changes to custody and visitation orders.
