DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

If you are a battered spouse, we can assist you by obtaining a temporary restraining order against your batterer.

In Massachusetts, a restraining order – also known as a 209A – can be given ex parte, where there is one party before the Judge.  Once a Judge has found that domestic or dating relationship existed between the parties, and the person seeking the order is in fear of imminent harm, the Judge can issue a temporary restraining order for up to ten days.  Within ten days a full hearing is conducted.  If the Judge issues the order it may be in effect for up to one year.  This is the accuser’s only chance to oppose the order.  If the accuser fails to appear at this hearing the order will be issued for up to one year.  Each party has the right to have an attorney present for this hearing. 

If you are in a divorce or contemplating a divorce, and require assistance with a restraining order, contact us for a no-obligation consultation or call (800) 910-DIVORCE.

A large number of contested divorce cases will result in one or both partners seeking a restraining order against the other party.  Unfortunately, in many divorces, a spouse may make false accusations of domestic violence to gain an advantage in a child custody or parenting case. 

The divorce lawyers and family law attorneys from The Massachusetts Family Law Group work to protect the good name and the legal rights of people falsely accused of domestic violence.  Our attorneys will fight to protect your rights and defend you against allegations of domestic violence or allegations of violating an existing restraining order.

Although emotional, psychological and financial abuses are not criminal behaviors, they are forms of abuse and can lead to physical violence.  Beware of the following acts:

• Physical menacing or intimidation:  Making angry or threatening gestures; towering over someone in a menacing way; standing in the doorway, driving recklessly with a spouse or partner in the car, throwing or breaking things, punching walls or kicking doors.
  
  
• Threats:  Your spouse or partner threatens you or your family.  These threats must be taken seriously.
  
  
• Sexual pressure or assaults:  This is the beginning of more direct physical violence.  During this phase, the abuser is testing the limits.  If this behavior is tolerated, the violence will escalate.

Warning!

It is quite common, once an attack has taken place for, abusers to feel sorry for what they have done.  They apologize, promise to never do it again and promise to change.  Often the abuser will give gifts, and appear charming, charismatic or persuasive. 

Once you recognize the problem and realize there is a need for change in your life, start developing your safety plan, but don’t do it alone. 

Contact the domestic violence and restraining order lawyers at The Massachusetts Family Law Group.  We are available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day in emergency situations.  Our phone number is (800) 910-DIVORCE.