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CHILDREN & FINANCES WITH
EXPERIENCE & COMPASSION
50 PLUS YEARS OF COMBINED DIVORCE & FAMILY LAW EXPERIENCE
Domestic Violence
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS, CALL US NOW TO HELP YOU APPLY TO THE VCCO FUND WHERE YOU MAY BE APPROVED FOR UP TO $10,000.00 IN LEGAL FEES & UP TO $600.00 PER WEEK FOR LOSS OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT UP TO 48 MONTHS.
Respected Bergen County Domestic Violence LawyersDomestic violence is serious. Every year, thousands of women, children, and men are abused by family members and significant others. Equally troubling is the number of false domestic violence claims that are made to gain the upper hand in divorce disputes. At Aretsky Law Group, P.C., we are committed to working with people throughout New Jersey dealing with domestic violence.
Experienced Domestic Violence AttorneysWhen most people think about spousal abuse, they think of physical violence. However, the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act reflects a number of emotional, psychological, and physical actions as domestic violence. Any of the following criminal violations can be charged as domestic violence:
- Homicide
- Assault
- Terroristic threats
- Kidnapping
- Criminal Restraint
- False imprisonment
- Sexual assault
- Lewdness
- Criminal sexual contact
- Criminal mischief
- Burglary
- Criminal trespass
- Harassment
- Stalking
Temporary Restraining Orders (TRO) are almost always granted when domestic violence allegations are made. A hearing for a Final Restraining Order must be held within ten days. It is important to have experienced legal representation at this hearing. If a Final Restraining Order is granted, it is permanent. The consequences can include granting exclusive possession of residence, granting temporary custody of children, punitive damages, medical coverage for the victim, and limiting visitation with children.
We are committed to ensuring that victims of domestic violence are protected. We also defend the rights of people who are falsely accused of spousal abuse. In addition to our experience handling family law matters, we have significant experience handling criminal defense matters. Our broad experience in these areas of law put us in a position to effectively deal with domestic violence claims.
FAQsWhat do I Need to do to Obtain a Permanent Restraining Order Against an Abuser?
Obtaining a final restraining order (FRO) is more complicated than requesting a temporary restraining order from a court. It helps to have legal representation and assemble as much evidence as possible to support your request prior to the court hearing. At the hearing—at which the accused abuser also has a right to testify—you should bring any photographs of your physical injuries, police reports, medical records, persons who witnessed your abuse, threatening phone messages/e-mails, and any other supporting documentation, as well as financial records if you are seeking support from your spouse or partner. It is critical to have competent and skilled legal representation, as you will be questioned by the judge and also likely by the alleged abuser’s counsel if they have one.
What are my Rights if my Abuser Violates a Restraining Order?
If an abuser violates a no-contact order by attempting to contact you, even electronically, they can be found in criminal contempt. If the subject of a restraining order is present at your residence or place of work in violation of the terms of the order—even if they are otherwise doing nothing illegal—you can report it by calling 911 and a police officer must arrest them and charge them with contempt. If the abuser is contacting you in a non-physical way such as by telephone, they can still be sent to jail for contempt after a hearing before a municipal court judge. If at any point prior to or after the hearing they are released from jail, the local prosecutor’s office or the court must notify you, which is why it’s important to keep these offices informed if you have a change of address or phone number.
What Resources are Available to Help Me in New Jersey if I’m a Victim of Domestic Violence?
New Jersey has a statewide 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-572-SAFE (7233). Services are confidential and available in Spanish and accessible to the hearing impaired.
There are many shelters and services in the Bergen County area that help women and children experiencing domestic abuse. The Center for Hope and Safety (formerly Shelter our Sisters) in Rochelle Park also has a 24-hour hotline: (201) 944-9600.
The Bergen County Department of Human Service’s Alternatives to Domestic Violence program offers comprehensive victim-assistance services including a 24-hour hotline, counseling and crisis intervention. It is located in Hackensack; Hotline: (201) 336-7575.
All of these services are free of charge.
If you are a victim of domestic violence or have been accused of spousal abuse, please contact Aretsky Law Group, P.C.in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Our attorneys can be reached by phone at 800-537-4154, by e-mail, or by filling out the intake form on our contact page.
