Domestic violence is a weapon. Abusers use violence as an outlet for their anger or to maintain control over their victims. Those who make false accusations also use domestic violence as a weapon, and it can be an extremely effective one if the lies are not challenged and exposed.
A Spokane Valley family lawyer from Dellino Family Law can help protect you from abuse or from an accuser’s false claims. Best Lawyers has ranked our team as one of the “Best Law Firms” of 2026. A domestic violence lawyer in Spokane Valley is ready to provide the exceptional service and representation that earned that status.
How Domestic Violence Affects Lives
That domestic violence happens is not a secret. As a society, we know it’s occurring. Unfortunately, those experiencing domestic violence often keep the abuse a secret out of fear or shame.
Our firm is ready to hear your truth about domestic violence and help you take control of your safety. We listen without judgment, offering compassion, support, and a way forward.
Domestic violence is a crime with extensive consequences. There are criminal charges and penalties for those accused and convicted, but these are not the only penalties. If you are involved in a divorce, domestic violence can affect your divorce proceedings and parenting plans.
There is more than one way to be victimized by domestic violence. Your partner may have harmed or threatened to harm you and/or your children. An angry ex could make claims against you as an act of revenge or to prevent you from seeing your kids. Whatever your circumstances, an experienced Spokane Valley domestic violence lawyer is here to help keep you safe.
Getting a Domestic Violence Protection Order
Washington State does not have a one-size-fits-all approach to protecting victims. According to the Washington Court publication “Understanding Washington State Protection Orders and How They Can Help You,” if someone hurts or threatens you, or subjects you to coercive or controlling behavior, you can file for a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) if the abuser is:
- A current or former spouse or domestic partner
- The parent of your shared child (unless the conception resulted from sexual assault)
- A current or former dating partner
- Related to you by blood, marriage, domestic partnership, or adoption
- Living (or has lived) with you
Other relationship scenarios also apply. A domestic violence attorney in Spokane Valley can review your situation and relationship to your abuser to determine how to proceed. Young victims also have the right to protection. We know the special procedures in place to secure a DVPO on their behalf.
How to Respond to a Domestic Violence Protection Order
If you’ve been served with a DVPO, do not get in touch with the petitioner. Your impulse may be to ask them why they filed or to ask them to rescind their filing. Acting on that impulse will make your situation worse.
You could face additional consequences for interfering with reporting a domestic violence crime. Further, DVPOs often include a no-contact directive. By reaching out to the petitioner, even through social media or a third party, you violate that directive.
Instead, what you should do after being served with a protection order is connect with legal representation. A defense attorney can help you deal with the criminal consequences of the DVPO. Dellino Family Law can help you deal with the potential legal effects on your family situation.
A Domestic Violence Attorney in Spokane Valley Can Help in Divorces Involving Domestic Abuse
If domestic abuse prompts you to file for divorce, you may also need to get emergency custody of a child. A Spokane Valley domestic violence lawyer from our team can take you through that process.
The Washington Court publication explains that DVPOs can be “tailored to individual needs.” We can help emphasize your needs, so you get the highest level of protection possible.
For example, these orders can:
- Remove abusers from the shared residence
- Prohibit abusers from entering the residence
- Grant possession of “essentials,” such as vehicles or pets
- Order abusers into counseling or treatment programs
- Assign temporary child custody and visitation schedules
- Prohibit abusers from contacting victims
- Require abusers to stay away from particular areas (victims’ schools, workplaces, etc)
If you have been wrongly accused, we can offer experienced, aggressive representation to support your innocence.
How Domestic Violence Affects Child Custody
During divorces, Washington courts consider the “best interests of the child” when determining parenting plans, per RCW 26.09.002. Parenting plans establish how much time children live with or spend with each parent and each parent’s involvement in making important decisions for or about the children.
Abuse Against the Child
According to the statute, part of serving the child’s best interests is protecting them from “physical, mental, or emotional harm.” If the court finds a parent has engaged in abusive behavior, including abandoning the child, harming them physically, or demonstrating patterns of emotional abuse, RCW 26.09.09 requires limiting that parent’s time with the child.
Abuse Against the Partner
Abuse against a partner or spouse can also affect child custody, as explained in Chapter 10: Parenting Plans of the Washington Court’s manual on domestic violence.
Parenting plans must account for how abuse against a spouse can negatively affect the cognitive, emotional, and physical health of children exposed to that violence.
The manual requires the court to determine how to protect all victims from continued violence or exposure to violence, and adjust contact between the abusers and children accordingly.
A DVPO has a significant impact on your divorce outcome. You can count on our team to fight to protect your rights and your relationships.
We Stand Up for Victims
Whether you are a victim of domestic violence or of false allegations of violence, Dellino Family Law is here for you. We stand up for victims.
A Spokane Valley domestic violence attorney is ready to take your call, listen to your story, and fight for what’s right. We’re here to protect you and help you move forward.