YOU WILL NOT BE ALONE

I represent individuals who seek to escape from the threat of domestic violence. If you are in a relationship with someone who has abused you and/or your children, I may be able to help you obtain a restraining order that compels your partner to stay away from your home, your place of work, your family members, your children’s school and your car. The court may also order the abuser not to transfer or remove property from you, and may prohibit them from communicating with you either directly or indirectly, including mail, email, or text messaging. In addition, the abuser is commonly ordered to pay emergency family maintenance (mortgage and utility bills are the most common).

You are not the only victim

Two new laws have just been passed by the Maryland legislature (April, 2009) which gives judges the option of removing firearms from people issued seven-day temporary protective orders after being accused of threatening violence and requires that judges order the confiscation of guns from those who are issued final protective orders.

You must act quickly when applying for a restraining order, since the court will consider how long ago the abuse took place, and whether you or your family members are in immediate danger. I know all too well how difficult it may be for you to seek a restraining order against someone you are close to, but you will not be alone. I will handle your unique situation with speed and sensitivity.

Domestic violence is a problem that affects every community across the country. It crosses all races, social and economic backgrounds, cultures, religions and relationship types. Domestic Violence is not a private matter, a couples problem, a domestic squabble or a fight. It is not a momentary loss of temper or the abuse of alcohol and drugs. And it is not your fault. Violence is a choice the abuser makes.

If you are considering applying for a restraining order in any County in Maryland, please contact me at (301)785-3489, email me at [email protected] or complete my online contact form to arrange a consultation to discuss your legal options. Please see my blog for more information on Domestic Violence, as well as the voluminous sites available on the internet.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTIVE ORDERS IN MARYLAND:

What the Judge Can Order?

If the judge finds that the abuse did occur, s/he may order one (or all) of the following for up to one year:

• Order the abuser to stop abusing you.
• Order the abuser to stay away from you and to not try to contact you or harass you.
• Order the abuser to stay out of your house.
• If you are married to the abuser AND you were living with your abuser at the time of the abuse, the court can order him to leave the home where the two of you live for up to one year.
• If you are not married to the abuser, but were living with him at the time of the abuse AND your name is on the lease or deed for the house OR you lived with the abuser for at least ninety (90) days within the past year, the court can order him to leave the home for up to one year.
• Order the abuser to stay away from your job, your school, the place where you may be staying, from your children’s school(s), and from your family members’ homes.
• Order that you be given temporary custody of any children that you have with the abuser for up to one year.
• Order visitation between the abuser and the children unless your safety or the safety of the children is at risk (if you believe that it is, you should let the judge know).
• If you are married, order the abuser to pay money to help support you during the order.
• If you have children with the abuser, order the abuser to pay support for the children.
• If you own a car with the abuser, the court may order that you have sole use of the car for the period of the order (you must tell the judge that the car is necessary in order to get you to work or to transport a child).
• Order the abuser or you to participate in a counseling program.
• Order the abuser to surrender firearms.

A qualified local lawyer is invaluable in litigating domestic violence cases and maximizing your protection and financial security. Many are denied the proper protection by the Courts because they attempt to represent themselves. There is much at stake. Protect yourself accordingly.