Domestic Violence & Restraining Order Attorney in Ventura County and Los Angeles County
The Law Office of Stephanie White in Simi Valley, CA, provides tailored legal representation for domestic violence and restraining order matters. With over 20 years of experience in family law and protection orders, our attorneys are knowledgeable and compassionate. Whether you need to obtain a restraining order or contest one, we can help protect your rights and best interests.
Our Experienced Domestic Violence & Restraining Order Lawyers Are Here to Help
The Law Office of Stephanie White has been providing legal assistance to clients experiencing domestic violence & restraining order legal matters for over 20 years. Our experienced lawyers are knowledgeable about California laws and can help you navigate the complex legal process. We're located in Simi Valley, and we serve clients throughout Los Angeles County and Ventura County.
Our attorneys understand that these situations can be challenging and stressful, and we offer a personalized approach to each case to meet our clients' unique goals and needs. We offer low-cost initial consultations to discuss your case and provide clear legal options. Our team is committed to achieving favorable outcomes for our clients and prioritizes honest communication throughout the legal process.
Legal Matters We Handle for Domestic Violence & Restraining Orders
Many registered domestic partners are surprised to discover that they could be required to pay partner support, or that they may be eligible to receive partner support. California courts are empowered to order either member of a registered domestic partnership to pay partner support for the benefit of the other partner. If your domestic partner has a much higher or lower salary than you, partner support could be a significant factor in the dissolution of your domestic partnership.
Need Protection? We can Help You Get a Protection Order
If you're a victim of domestic violence, harassment, stalking, or any form of abuse, our experienced lawyers can help you petition the court for a protection order. Protective orders can legally prevent your abuser from contacting you or entering your home, and they can face more serious criminal charges if they violate them.
Served with a Restraining Order?
If you've been served with a protection order, it's essential not to violate it. Instead, consult with our restraining order lawyers as soon as possible. We can help you prepare for your hearing and we are prepared to represent you at your hearing date.
Fighting an Unjust Restraining Order?
We can also help if you've been wrongly accused of domestic violence or received a restraining order that was made illegally. Our attorneys are skilled in representing clients who need to defend themselves against false accusations of domestic violence or restraining order violations. We'll fight to protect your rights and help you achieve a fair outcome in your case.
What Is a Domestic Violence Restraining Order?
A domestic violence restraining order is a legal protection order issued by a court to protect an individual who has been a victim of domestic violence or harassment from a family or household member. It can also prohibit the abuser from contacting or approaching the victim's children or other family members. Any person who fears physical harm, bodily injury, or being stalked by another individual such as a former spouse may be able to obtain an order.
This type of order is intended to provide necessary protection to true victims of abuse or domestic violence. However, it can also be misused by parties to gain leverage in divorce cases or child custody disputes. In these cases, innocent individuals can find themselves facing the serious consequences of a restraining order. An experienced restraining order attorney can provide guidance and representation to ensure that your legal rights are protected if you're in danger or have been served with a restraining order.
Types of Restraining Orders California State
Several types of domestic violence protection orders in California can help protect you from domestic violence or harassment. By consulting with a restraining order attorney at our Simi Valley law office, we can help determine which is best for your situation.
Temporary Restraining Order
These are often granted to protect a person until court proceedings can take place, and they are most often used in cases of domestic violence. They are often granted for 21 days or until a future court hearing or trial on the restraining order facts and issues.
Domestic Violence Restraining Order
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs or “Permanent Restraining Orders”) are granted only after a hearing where testimony is given, evidence is presented, and argument is made to the court. These orders, often called “Permanent,” are able to be granted for a period of time up to five years. As the end of that protection period approaches, the protected party can ask the court for an extension which could then be permanent.
Civil Harassment Restraining Order
This type of order is used in situations where you are seeking a protection order against a non-family member. These often apply to stalker situations or disputes between neighbors and are helpful when a person has not been assaulted or threatened with bodily harm. These orders are also issued in two stages: Temporary and “Permanent”. As in DVROs, Civil Harassment orders
The Restraining Order Process in California
Obtaining a protection order can be a vital tool for individuals who are seeking legal protection from domestic violence or harassment. Protection orders, also known as restraining orders, are court orders that prohibit the alleged abuser from contacting or approaching the victim. The process of obtaining a protection order can be complex, and it's essential to follow the proper legal procedures to ensure that the order is granted and enforced.
Petition
The person seeking a restraining order must petition the court. The paperwork submitted to the court will outline the violence and/or other actions that have caused harm and fear.
Judge Review
A judge will review the petition to determine if a temporary restraining order is warranted. Both parties (in some cases just the petitioner) may have to attend an ex-parte hearing to explain the case to the judge.
Service
If the case seems valid, the judge will likely issue a temporary restraining order against the alleged abuser. You will have to arrange for the other party to be personally served with the order, the petition, and the date of the hearing. The order typically restrains the respondent for three weeks or until a hearing can be held.
Hearing
The temporary order will specify a time and place for a longer hearing where both sides will be allowed to testify and present evidence before a judge. Both the petitioner and the respondent are allowed to have an attorney present if they wish. At the end of the hearing, the judge will decide whether a restraining order should be issued past the temporary order and for how long such an order should remain in place.
What Are the Consequences of a Restraining Order Violation?
Violating a restraining order, even if you believe the accusations are unfounded, can have serious consequences. Some of the possible consequences of a restraining order violation include:
- Criminal charges, which may result in a misdemeanor carrying penalties of up to a year in jail or a felony charge depending on the severity of the violation
- Automatic award of the requested “Permanent” restraining order
- In some cases, loss of child custody
If you've been falsely accused of violating a restraining order, it's pivotal to seek legal counsel immediately to protect your rights and minimize the potential consequences.