Tampa Divorce & Family Law Domestic Violence Attorneys
IMPORTANT *** If you have been a victim of domestic violence or abuse or if you have a reasonable belief that you are about to become the victim of violence, in Florida, this is enough to implement action under the law. Your aggressor does not need to be a spouse or other family member. With the exception of parents who have a child in common, the persons must currently or previously have resided together in the same single dwelling unit in order to be considered a family or household member under Florida law. (Fla. Stat. § 741.28). If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence and unable to afford an attorney, please reach out to:
Are You Safe in Tampa Bay
http://www.r-u-safe.org/
Protective Orders
Once your immediate safety has been addressed, please call 813-879-4600 to schedule a consultation with Nilo J Sanchez & Associates. The attorneys at Nilo J Sanchez & Associates are knowledgeable, compassionate Tampa Bay domestic violence family law lawyers. We represent clients and victims of domestic violence who require the legal expertise of a domestic violence family law attorney in Hillsborough, Pinellas & Pasco County. We also represent clients who are unmarried with minor children who need to petition the courts for a protective order.
Although you can represent yourself in any family law hearing, when domestic violence is present, navigating the courts alone is difficult and can lend to poor results. We have over 30 years of experience and specialize in Florida Family Law. Helping you move into a more secure and safe future is our goal. Zoom, telephonic and in-person consultations are available for your convenience.
Divorce & Domestic Violence Attorneys, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Florida
If you are married, contemplating divorce or if your spouse has initiated divorce proceedings against you and you’ve been a victim of domestic violence or you have a reasonable belief that you are going to be harmed by your spouse the first step is to get yourself and your children to a safe place. Perhaps your aggressor (spouse, partner or parent of shared minor children) has not lashed out at your children, but they are witnessing your abuse. This is NOT in their best interest. If however, your aggressor is also physically harming your minor children you must call law enforcement immediately. It’s important to note that children who are not physically abused, but who witness the abuse of a parent often become traumatized. Although every child reacts differently, being subjected to domestic violence can have negative, life changing consequences. It is our job to ensure that we protect and fight for your best interest as well as the best interests of your minor children.
Domestic Violence in Florida – Defined
Florida legally defines “domestic violence” as any assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another family or household member. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. In Florida alone, more than 100,000 cases of domestic violence were reported last year. (Source: https://www.flclerks.com/page/domesticviolenceawar)
Other Forms of Abuse
Remember, abusive behaviors that adults use to maintain power and control over their spouses or former partners are not always violent in nature, but can also include tactics that serve to control and instill fear on their victims. People who abuse their partners use a variety of tactics to coerce, intimidate, threaten and frighten their victims. Emotional abuse, financial abuse, isolation or threats relating to children can all be a form of abuse. Although not punishable under the law, these types of abuse can be detrimental. It may also lead to other types of aggression.
Unmarried with Minor Children & Domestic Violence
Our family law attorneys take domestic violence seriously. If you are divorcing or if you are unmarried with minor children we will aggressively fight for your rights and for the best interest of your children according to Florida Law. This will likely begin with petitioning the courts for a temporary order of protection as well as other relief. Our family law attorneys will provide you with the sound legal counsel and representation that you deserve based on your individual circumstances. Remember, abuse can take on many different forms, and it is important that your family law lawyer understands Florida law as it applies to divorce, child custody, child support and your minor children.
Family Law & Domestic Violence Injunctions, Tampa Florida
What Do Protection Orders Include in Florida?
The purpose of an injunction or a protection order is to immediately STOP your aggressor from having any future contact with you.
Florida Statutes § 741.30 permits the following actions by the courts;
- Restraining the respondent (abuser/aggressor) from committing any acts of domestic violence
- Awarding exclusive use and possession of the parties’ shared dwelling or excluding the respondent from the petitioner’s (victim) residence
- Ordering temporary support for minor children or the petitioner until the injunction expires or a A civil order that affects child support will be entered
- Order the respondent (abuser/aggressor) to participate in treatment, intervention, or counseling services, and
- Any other relief that the court deems necessary to protect the victim.
- PLEASE NOTE CHANGES IN FAMILY & DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LAW AS IT APPLIES TO CHILD CUSTODY (GREYSON’S LAW)
Consult With A Tampa Divorce & Family Law Attorney About a Domestic Violence protective order
Whether you’re married, seeking a divorce or you are unmarried with minor children, please call 813-879-4600 to schedule a consultation or send us a secure message below.