Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is far more prevalent than even Russell Wilson and other celebrities would have us believe through the "No More" campaign. Not all domestic violence is the same. There are generally five types of domestic violence:
- A history of battering, including control and intimidation tactics
- The presence of a mental impairment impacting the culpability of the abuser
- Isolated and seemingly uncharacteristic act of violence minus any pattern of coercion and intimidation
- History of the use of violence in all relationships, part of a pattern of general "fighting" violence
- Use of violence in self-defense
Understanding the violence in your home is critical to your family law case as domestic violence can have serious implications in your residential schedule with your children and your ability to enjoy joint decision making. The attorneys at Elise Buie Family Law Group are experienced in identifying power and control issues. Elise is often appointed by the Court in both Snohomish and King Counties as a "guardian ad litem," an advocate for children in cases involving domestic violence allegations.
Understanding any violence present in your family is critical to parents' ability to separate peacefully, yet continue to co-parent the children. Sometimes violence eliminates co-parenting as an option. But sometimes, conditions can be put into place to protect all the parties so that each parent can safely spend time with the children. If you are a victim of abuse, you have legal rights and options to protect yourself. There are various forms of protection, including:
Domestic Violence Protection Order
A protection order comes when you are charged for domestic violence in civil court without criminal charges. In divorce proceedings, these usually stem from a lawsuit from your significant other. A protection order requires showing that harm has occurred or is likely to occur. It is a civil order from the court telling the person who threatened or assaulted you not to harm you again.
Restraining Order
Restraining orders are similar to domestic violence protective orders, although they are broader in scope. Like domestic violence protective orders, they are civil court orders which restrict family or household members from further violence towards victims. Restraining orders are typically filed as part of a divorce, paternity, or other family law case, but also address other issues besides domestic violence.
No Contact Orders
A No-contact order is a result of criminal domestic violence charges. If you are criminally charged with domestic violence, no-contact orders restrict you from speaking with or seeing the alleged victim.
If you are afraid for your or your children's safety due to domestic violence, we encourage you to speak with a member of our team. The attorneys at Elise Buie Family Law Group are here to help you take positive steps to ensure your family's safety through legal action. Do you know someone who is living in an abusive relationship? Please direct them to our website.
Your Family's Future is our First Priority
