Torrance Domestic Violence Attorney
Domestic violence is an unfortunate problem that many individuals and families in Los Angeles County and elsewhere have had to face. Experiencing this kind of violence or handling threats of violence is never easy. It can be especially difficult leading up to or during a case involving divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, or other family law matters.
If you have been a victim of domestic violence, know you are not alone. Torrance Domestic Violence Lawyer Michael D. Shook, Attorney At Law, can take legal action to protect you and your family and hold the responsible party accountable. To discuss your situation with Attorney Shook, reach out to schedule a free case review.
Call (310) 361-2977 or send a message online.
The Legal Definition of Domestic Violence in California
According to California Law, domestic violence encompasses many abuses committed against an intimate partner or family member.
Various behaviors the law considers domestic violence include:
- Physical Abuse: Any act that causes harm or injury to another’s body.
- Sexual Abuse: Sexual acts or behaviors that are non-consensual.
- Emotional Abuse: Inflicting psychological harm through threats, criticism, humiliation, or controlling behaviors.
- Verbal Abuse: Degrading, belittling, or demeaning someone with words.
- Financial Abuse: Exploiting a person’s financial resources or restricting their access to them.
Domestic violence can occur in all types of relationships. Under the law, spouses, romantic partners, parents, grandparents, children, cohabitants, and close family members can all be victims of domestic violence.
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVRO)
California courts can issue three types DVROs. Emergency protective orders can last for five to seven days. Judges issue these when evidence suggests a person is in immediate danger of violence. The order can require an alleged abuser to leave the home and refrain from contacting the victim. It can also give a parent temporary sole custody of their child. Emergency orders are meant to give victims time to file formal DVRO.
Should a person file for a DVRO but need protection while they wait for their hearing date, they can obtain a temporary order. These offer similar protections as an emergency order. If a judge grants a formal DVRO, it can offer protection for up to five years.
Do You Have to Appear in Court for a Restraining Order in California?
You must appear in court for a restraining order in California, either in person or remotely. The hearing will take place on a weekday during work hours, approximately three weeks from the day you file your papers. The judge will hear from both parties and decide whether to extend the restraining order for five years.
You Deserve Peace of Mind: Explore Your Rights with a Torrance Domestic Violence Attorney
If you are experiencing domestic violence in Torrance, you are not alone. Help and resources are available. Michael D. Shook, Attorney At Law, offers restraining orders to protect victims from further abuse. If you're unsure about the process or need legal guidance, consider seeking a Torrance family law attorney specializing in domestic violence cases. Remember, your safety is the most important thing.
How Domestic Violence Factors in Divorce
Divorcing couples in California do not need to establish fault unless an unlawful act, such as domestic violence, is relevant to their family case. Providing evidence of domestic violence in a divorce case can significantly affect its outcome.
Below we have detailed how it impacts custody arrangements, spousal support, and property division:
- Custody: Judges typically grant a parent sole custody of a child or children when the other parent has been convicted of domestic violence or has a DVRO. If a parent makes allegations of domestic violence, but there is no existing DVRO or conviction, judges will account for the allegation in their decision.
- Spousal Support: California law prohibits individuals convicted of domestic violence from receiving support payments. A judge will consider evidence of domestic violence when determining spousal support payments for a person who is a victim of abuse.
- Property Division: A spouse who has been abused may receive a greater share of marital property. Like other aspects of divorce, judges account for domestic violence when deciding on property division.
Domestic Violence Resources
The safety of you and your family is paramount. Should you or someone you love experience domestic violence or be threatened, resources are available. If you are in an emergency, do not wait to call 911. In other situations, you can call the national domestic violence hotline 24/7: 800-799-7233. You can also text START to 88788 to message someone at the hotline.
Other resources include:
- The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence: Visit their site to see an interactive map of partnership organizations that offer various services to victims of domestic violence in the Los Angeles region.
- Los Angeles County’s Department of Public Social Services: Visit the department’s site to find local shelters and resource providers.
- Los Angeles’s Domestic Violence Hotline Directory: Visit the city’s site to find support hotlines for Los Angeles, Hollywood, the South Bay area, and the San Fernando Valley.
Schedule a Free Case Review Today
Do not hesitate to find out what Michael D. Shook, Attorney At Law, can do for you. With more than 30 years of experience representing a diverse clientele in Los Angeles County, you can confidently trust your case with him. Attorney Shook offers affordable legal services and can arrange payment plans. Every client who turns to him is sure to be met with compassion and respect.
Schedule a free case review by calling (310) 361-2977 or reaching out online.