If you or a loved one is a victim of domestic violence in Warren County, you may feel unsure where to turn or what to do. Perhaps you aren't sure if the behavior perpetrated against you counts as abuse or that you are a domestic violence victim if your situation doesn't fit the typical stereotype of domestic violence.
At the Lento Law Firm, we take domestic violence seriously. Our Family Law Team will do everything legal to secure your safety. To discuss your case with our Family Law Team, contact us at 888-535-3686 or use our online form.
What is Domestic Violence?
When many people think of domestic violence, they think of the type of physical violence between romantic partners we see in the movies and on TV. That is definitely one form of domestic violence, but domestic violence in Warren County isn't exclusively physical abuse. Actions that are considered domestic violence in Warren County can include:
- Harassment
- Coercion
- Criminal restraint
- False imprisonment
- Assault
- Sexual abuse
- Financial abuse
- Intimidation
- Emotional abuse
Any of the above behaviors committed within certain relationships will constitute domestic abuse. It doesn't have to be a girlfriend, boyfriend, or spouse who is perpetrating the abuse against you. A person who has any of the following types of relationship with you can be considered a domestic violence abuser in Warren County:
- A person you share a child with
- Someone you anticipate having a child with (meaning you or the other party is pregnant)
- Someone you have had a dating relationship with
- A spouse or former spouse
- A person is presently or formerly a member of your household
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders in Warren County
Taking legal action against your abuser, a person you used to, and may still, care very much about, can be scary. There are a lot of emotions surrounding these actions. While you are making the decision whether or not to file a restraining order against your abuser, it may be helpful to understand the scope of the benefits and the process. Knowing these can help you feel in control.
What Can a Domestic Violence Restraining Order Do for Me?
Especially when you share a home or a child with your abuser, you may be wondering how a domestic violence order would work. What if you co-own your home with your abuser, or it's their name on the lease to your apartment? What if you need to see this person for pick-up or drop-off consistent with your custody agreement? These are all valid questions.
Your Lento Law Firm Family Law Team attorney will answer all these questions, but hopefully, we can answer a few now. Even if your abuser owns the home you are living in or their name is on the lease, you can still get a restraining order. Restraining orders can also alter custody agreements, whether it is where or who is involved in the drop-offs or temporarily changing custody agreements. Other terms of domestic violence restraining orders in Warren County can be:
- Ordering the abuser not to visit places you frequent (such as work or school)
- Ordering an abuser not to contact you or your minor children by any method, phone, social media, in person, etc.
- Awarding temporary custody rights for minor children
- Ordering the abuser to surrender firearms or weapons to Passaic County law enforcement
- Ordering the abuser to pay costs associated with the domestic violence, such as home financial support, medical costs, lost wages, relocation costs, attorney expenses, and more
How Do I File for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order?
Filing a restraining order is a big decision, but fortunately, it's a straightforward and quick process once you've made your decision. Your Lento Law Firm attorney will file your Warren County domestic violence restraining order on your behalf with the Warren County Superior Court at 413 2nd St. in Belvedere. Specifically, your case will be filed with the Family Part of the Chancery Division.
In urgent situations where you or your child is in immediate danger, an emergency or temporary restraining order may be your best option for safety. Temporary restraining orders must be filed in person at the Warren County Superior Courthouse during business hours. Emergency situations aren't limited to business hours; you can also request an emergency domestic abuse restraining order on nights, weekends, and holidays by calling your local police department.
Temporary restraining orders in Warren County are valid for ten days or less. Before the temporary restraining order is lifted, the court will hold a restraining order hearing where you and your abuser will go before the judge to discuss your case. Your Lento Law Firm attorney will present your case and advocate for why a permanent restraining order is appropriate and necessary for your safety.
When the hearing is over, the judge will decide whether a restraining order is appropriate and what provisions should be included in it to protect you physically, emotionally, and financially.
Domestic Violence Resources in Warren County
Being a victim of domestic violence can be isolating. In fact, abusers work very hard to isolate their victims from friends, family, and their community. But you aren't the only person in Warren County suffering from domestic violence. There are resources for you and other victims of domestic violence right here in Warren County.
Your Lento Law Firm attorney is here to support you in all the ways we can. Our top priority is making you safe through the legal system. But being a survivor of domestic violence requires more than just legal support. Fortunately, there are many resources to support your physical and mental well-being while you also take legal action. A few of these resources include:
- The Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Warren County (DASACC)
- The New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799- SAFE (7233)
- New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence
Get Help from a Warren County Domestic Violence Attorney Today
It's time to prioritize your safety and well-being. If you're ready to consider legal action against your domestic violence abuser, the Lento Law Firm Family Law Team is here for you. Let us help you by calling 888-535-3686 or contacting us online.
