If domestic violence is affecting your life, you need help. Whether you are the victim of abuse or have been victimized by false accusations, a Port Orchard family lawyer from Dellino Family Law is on your side and ready to provide essential guidance and protection.
We have received a “Best Lawyers” ranking from Best Law Firm. We are proud of that recognition and continue to offer the service and representation that earned it to every client. When you partner with a domestic violence lawyer in Port Orchard, you have a skilled, loyal advocate fighting for you and standing with you every step of the way.
How Domestic Violence Is Used as a Weapon
It’s so important to understand the truth about domestic violence and to take control of your safety. Your abuser may threaten you with continued or worse harm if you tell anyone what’s happening. That’s a common tactic. There is help available, and a Port Orchard domestic violence lawyer can help you get the protection you need.
An abuser may use domestic violence to maintain control over you. They may see you as a possession and isolate you from others so they don’t lose you. Some abusers cannot control their anger. They use you or other family members as targets for that anger.
Sometimes, a person uses accusations of domestic violence as a weapon. You may want to leave a relationship. If your ex is angry about your decision, they could make abuse allegations to get back at you. If you have children with this person, they could issue accusations to keep you away from your children. Our team can help you develop a plan to fight back.
We Can Help You Get a Protection Order
You may need to file a protection order against your abuser. Not every order is the same. Dellino Family Law can explain the protection orders as presented in the Washington Court publication, “Understanding Washington State Protection Orders and How They Can Help You.”
You can file a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) if a family or household member, or an intimate partner, harms or threatens you with violence. You could be harmed physically or sexually, or psychologically, with the abuser using controlling behavior to maintain power over you. This behavior is called “coercive control.” You can also file on behalf of a minor or vulnerable adult.
If you have reported the abuse and authorities have charged your abuser with domestic violence, you may have grounds to file a Domestic Violence No Contact Order (DVNCO). This order prohibits the abuser from having any contact with you.
Family Law Restraining Order (FLRO)
When going through a divorce, financial, child custody, and other related matters can ignite fierce disagreements. An FLRO can protect you and your children from harassment or abuse. These orders can apply to other family-related legal cases as well.
We Can Help if You’ve Been Accused of Domestic Violence
Those who make false accusations of domestic abuse perpetuate another form of violence. False allegations can create significant legal and personal challenges. Actual victims may be less likely to be believed. The false accusation also has the power to destroy the accused’s life.
A Port Orchard domestic violence attorney can explain what you should do after being served with a protection order. Do not contact your accuser, no matter how much you deserve answers or want to defend yourself. That contact could be seen as interfering with reporting a domestic violence crime and could incur more consequences.
An attorney can also lay out the terms of the order, so you understand how to stay in compliance. Violations of some orders include mandatory arrest. We are ready to listen without judgment and can also direct you to securing the legal representation needed to fight criminal charges if needed.
A Domestic Violence Attorney in Port Orchard Can Help With Child Custody Matters
Per the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 26.09.002, the “best interests of the child” are the standard when determining child custody arrangements. The court recognizes the importance of fostering parent-child relationships, unless doing so goes against the child’s best interests.
If you are divorcing an abusive co-parent, safety is the priority for you and your kids, and a Port Orchard domestic violence attorney can help you through the process of getting emergency custody of a child. The process includes filing documentation and presenting convincing evidence to prove your child is in immediate danger.
For children not in immediate danger, the court must still factor domestic abuse into custody arrangements, per the Washington Court publication, Chapter 10: Parenting Plans. The court must act to protect the child and adult from further harm, even considering how new patterns of abuse could emerge after a separation.
Challenging Accusations
One of the greatest heartbreaks for a parent is being denied access to their child, especially when that denial is unwarranted. If your ex is using abuse allegations to limit your contact with them, our team can help. Do not fight these accusations on your own or with inferior legal representation.
How Domestic Violence Affects Divorce Proceedings
Domestic violence can affect divorce proceedings even when there are no children involved. In some divorces, separating couples use mediation to help divide property. Per RCW 26.09.016, mediation is typically not an option when abuse is present.
Protection orders can also determine who gets to live in the home and who has possession of vehicles, pets, or other essentials as proceedings are underway. The orders can also prevent an abuser from entering the residence, going to certain places, or contacting the victim.
Abuse victims often feel isolated. They may lack confidence. They could agree to divorce terms that don’t serve them because they are afraid and just want the relationship to end. If you’re a victim, you deserve better. Our team can lead this fight for you, so you can move into the future with confidence.
Connect With the Team You Can Trust
Dellino Family Law operates on principles of excellence, diligence, and loyalty.
We have decades of experience and, as their testimonials show, a history of satisfied, grateful clients. Put your case in the capable, trustworthy hands of a Port Orchard domestic violence lawyer from our team. We truly want the best for you.