Domestic violence, unfortunately, affects thousands of people in Topeka, KS and throughout the United States every year. In some cases, domestic violence can lead to divorce proceedings, and in others, this behavior continues unchecked for a long time before the victim can secure help and find relief. If you have experienced any type of domestic violence in Topeka, it is vital to seek legal assistance as soon as possible to prevent the abuse from continuing. Domestic violence takes many forms, from physical abuse and sexual assault to stalking and emotional abuse. Whatever type of domestic violence you or your loved ones have experienced, it’s vital to know what to do to stop it as quickly as possible.
Work With the Police
After experiencing any form of domestic violence, your first priority should be to report the incident to the police. Police in Kansas and throughout the US have a legal duty to protect a domestic violence victim from further abuse when they respond to calls concerning domestic violence. Police officers may conduct an arrest of the abuser if evidence of domestic violence is readily apparent at the scene of the incident. They may also call a local judge to secure an emergency protective order that will prevent the abuser from interacting with the victim for the foreseeable future, typically until a criminal case decides the fate of the abuser and a more permanent protective order is issued.
Take Advantage of Available Social Resources
The police can help a domestic violence victim secure support from local resources, from shelters and food banks to support groups and counseling services. These social services can be tremendously beneficial to victims of domestic violence and can help them set the stage for the next phase of their lives after experiencing domestic violence. If you have experienced domestic violence of any kind, do not underestimate the potential value these social services may offer.
Speak With an Attorney
If you have experienced domestic violence, you may have several legal options available to you for addressing the situation. An experienced Topeka, KS family law attorney can help you secure protective orders that will prevent your abuser from coming within a certain distance of you, your place of business, your children’s school, and other places you deem to be high-risk. Orders of protection are commonly called restraining orders, and any violation of a restraining order will likely lead to the offender’s arrest and criminal prosecution.
Domestic Violence and Divorce
It’s not uncommon for people to file for divorce and cite domestic violence as the reason for their filing. Suppose your spouse has engaged in any type of domestic violence against you or your family members. In that case, it is vital to address the dangerous situation and take appropriate legal actions to protect you and your loved ones in the future. Domestic violence will have a tremendous impact on any divorce case. The offender will likely lose any right to claim child custody and may only receive limited visitation, if anything, as far as child custody is concerned. They may also be required to pay some form of restitution to the victim, which may come in the form of expanded alimony payments. Additionally, since the offender will likely lose any potential rights to custody they may have had, they will likely owe the maximum amount of child support to the victim.
If you want to ensure that the Topeka, KS family court system gives your experience the attention it deserves in divorce proceedings, your attorney can help. An experienced Topeka, KS family law attorney is the best asset you can have when it comes to ensuring you do not experience further domestic violence and that you and your family have the protection you need going forward.
What to Expect from Your Attorney
If you have experienced domestic violence in Topeka, KS, your attorney can perform several important functions in your effort to prevent further abuse and hold your abuser accountable. In addition to securing protective orders and helping you through your divorce proceedings, if applicable, your attorney can help you ensure that the judge overseeing your case applies appropriate restrictions on your abuser. The abuser will also likely face criminal prosecution, and the victim may need to testify in court against the abuser.
Your attorney can help you prepare for any criminal court appearances you must make, depositions, and other legal proceedings related to the criminal side of your domestic violence experience. They will also ensure your family court resolution adequately protects you from future abuse and ensures you reach a fair outcome when it comes to divorce, child support, child custody, and long-term orders of protection. If you experienced economic losses from domestic violence, such as medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and inability to work, call our firm. You could have grounds for a personal injury action against the offender. Your attorney can provide valuable guidance along these lines as well, ultimately helping you secure compensation for your damages and assisting in securing a comprehensive family court resolution that serves your family’s best interests.
Why Do I Need an Attorney?
If you have experienced domestic violence of any kind, it is crucial to obtain the most expansive protections possible for you and your family. Additionally, if your abuser was your spouse, you need to remove yourself from a dangerous situation and secure a divorce order that accurately reflects your experiences and current situation. Attempting to handle these legal issues on your own while recovering from the trauma of your experience can be incredibly challenging. Hiring the right attorney to assist you can ensure that you and your family have the protection you need in the aftermath of domestic violence, minimizing the chances that any of you will have to face similar issues in the future.
When you are ready to discuss your legal options after experiencing domestic violence, reach out to an experienced Topeka, KS family law attorney to explain your situation and find out how they can help. Your attorney can provide valuable legal guidance and help you prepare for the legal implications of your situation across the civil and criminal court systems.
