Are you the victim of domestic violence in Ruston, LA? Domestic violence is all too real for many people living in Louisiana. No one should live in fear in their home and feel they have no way out of a horrible situation. If you are living with domestic violence, it is essential to know that the law provides options and protections for victims of domestic violence.
At Knight Law Firm, our legal team has over 20 years of combined experience and has handled thousands of cases for clients throughout Louisiana. We provide compassionate, trusted, and personalized family law services to help you navigate challenging family issues.
You do not have to deal with domestic violence issues alone. We are here to help you explore your options and protect your rights. Contact our law offices to schedule a consultation with our Ruston domestic violence lawyers by calling (318) 722-8919 today.
How Knight Law Firm Can Help You With Domestic Violence Cases in Louisiana
We understand the sensitive nature of family violence situations in Ruston, Louisiana. Our attorneys will provide guidance and support as you seek to resolve your current situation. We are trusted family law attorneys within the legal community.
There are many ways our Ruston family law attorneys can help you with a domestic violence case, including:
- Explaining your legal rights and how the law can protect you and your children
- Help you navigate the process of obtaining a protective order from the court
- Advising you of your options for divorce, child custody, property division, and domestic support
- Retain expert witnesses and professionals as needed to strengthen your case and provide support for you
- Aggressively negotiate a divorce settlement that protects your parental rights, your children’s best interests, and your financial needs
- Advocate for you in all court proceedings
Our goal is to help you escape a dangerous situation and obtain the relief you need to move forward with your life. Contact Knight Law Firm to schedule a consultation with an experienced Ruston domestic violence attorney.
Overview of Louisiana Domestic Violence Laws
Our state laws are designed to protect victims of family violence and hold abusers accountable for their actions. Domestic abuse battery is defined under Louisiana laws as the intentional use of violence or force by a family or household member against another family or household member. It covers many types of abuse and family violence.
Examples of domestic violence include, but are not limited to:
- Physical abuse and harm
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional and psychological abuse
- Verbal abuse
- Financial abuse and exploitation
The courts can issue protective orders that remove the abuser from the home and prohibit them from coming near you. Judges may consider past and current abuse allegations when deciding matters related to child custody, property division, and support.
How Can I Get a Protective Order in Ruston, LA?
The first step in obtaining a protective order (“PO”) is filing a court petition. Include as much detail in the petition as possible. Judges can issue an ex parte Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) without notice to the abuser if they believe the petitioner is in imminent threat of harm. If you receive a TRO, always keep it with you in case you need to call 911 for help.
The court will then schedule a hearing to determine whether to grant a permanent or preliminary PO. Both parties will receive notice of the hearing. Your abuser can appear to refute the claims of domestic violence. If the judge grants a permanent PO, the order usually will not exceed 18 months.
A PO can include numerous provisions to protect the victim and their children. The court may include provisions such as:
- Cease all abuse and threats
- No contact with the victim by any means, including in person, by telephone, through social media, by text message, etc.
- Temporary child support and child custody
- Possession of the marital home to the petitioner
- The abuser must relinquish all firearms
- Supervised visitation with children
- The abuser must attend a treatment program
- Temporary spousal support for the petitioner
Hiring an attorney is the best way to protect your rights. You have the burden of proving you need a PO. An attorney understands the legal requirements for domestic violence orders. They will prepare all the paperwork and help you gather the evidence necessary to present to the court.
Do Domestic Violence Allegations Impact a Divorce Settlement?
Domestic violence allegations can impact the matters related to a divorce, including child custody, property division, and spousal support. The courts may consider how the abuse by a spouse impacted the other spouse and may affect the best interests of the child in terms of child custody and visitation.
Planning and preparing are often key elements of a domestic violence case. A skilled domestic violence lawyer can help you take steps to ensure that you and your children are protected throughout the process of leaving an abusive spouse and obtaining a divorce. We can help you prioritize your and your children’s emotional well-being while protecting your financial interests in the divorce settlement.
Schedule a Consultation With a Ruston Domestic Violence Attorney
Our consultations are private and confidential. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our office to schedule an appointment with an experienced Ruston domestic violence lawyer. At Knight Law Firm, we will fight to protect your rights and best interests in all matters related to divorce and family violence.
