Domestic Violence Attorneys in Middlesex County, New Jersey

According to statistics provided by the New Jersey Department of Law & Public Safety, there were 59,645 domestic violence offenses reported by law enforcement statewide in 2019. Domestic violence in the state of New Jersey involves physical abuse or violent acts committed by a person against a family member, household member, or an intimate partner. Such violent acts may include homicide, assault, kidnapping, sexual assault, or criminal trespassing.

If you have been the victim of domestic violence or if you know someone who is in imminent danger of physical abuse, it is extremely crucial that you reach out to knowledgeable New Jersey family law attorneys to help protect your rights and ultimately find safety. With more than 80 years of combined experience, our attorneys at Schwartz, Hanna, Olsen & Taus, P.C. provide comprehensive legal guidance and zealous representation to domestic violence victims. We will fight compassionately to protect your legal rights and help you seek protection from any potential danger or physical abuse.

If you’re located in the New Jersey counties of Middlesex, Somerset, Morris, Passaic, Essex, and Bergen, or anywhere else in the state, contact us at Schwartz, Hanna, Olsen & Taus, P.C. today for a one-on-one case assessment.

Domestic Violence in New Jersey

Domestic violence is any physical abuse or act of violence against a family or household member or someone in a current or former relationship. According to New Jersey Revised Statutes Section 2C:25-19, domestic violence means the occurrence of one or more of the following acts inflicted upon a person protected under the New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (PDVA) of 1991 by an adult or an emancipated minor:

• Homicide

• Assault

• Terrorist threats

• Kidnapping

• Criminal restraint

• False imprisonment

• Sexual assault

• Criminal sexual contact

• Lewdness

• Burglary

• Robbery

• Criminal trespassing

• Harassment

• Stalking

• Criminal coercion

• Crimes involving risk of death or serious bodily injury

Who is Protected by the Domestic Violence Act?

The following people are protected under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991:

• Married spouses

• Separated spouses

• Divorced spouses

• People living together or who previously lived together

• Individuals who are dating or have previously dated

• Individuals who have a child together or are expecting a child

What to Do in a Domestic Violence Situation

No one deserves a relationship filled with physical abuse or violence. If you are a domestic violence victim, you need to act quickly to prevent potential injuries and to ensure your safety and those of your loved ones. Here are the steps to take in a domestic violence situation:

• Never blame yourself for another person’s violent actions

• Call the police to inform them about the situation

• Talk to someone you trust or call a domestic abuse helpline

• Document the physical abuse, violent acts, and keep detailed records of your injuries

• Leave the household or relationship as soon as you can and get to safety

• Obtain an emergency protective or restraining order

• Hire a skilled lawyer to protect your legal rights

• File for a protection order against your abuser

• Seek therapy to start your recovery journey

Protection Orders

In New Jersey, domestic violence victims are protected with protective orders, also known as restraining orders. These are court orders that prohibit a person from contacting or getting within a certain distance of another person for a specific period of time.

What Can A Protection Order Do?

A protection order can do the following:

• Protect the victim from physical abuse or violent acts from the abuser

• Order the abuser to stay away from the victim’s home, workplace, business, or school

• Prohibit the abuser from contacting, intimidating, or threatening the victim or any member of their household

• Prevent future acts of stalking or sexual violence

• Allows the court to provide restrictions that guarantee the victim’s safety and protection from their abuser

• Help decide family law issues related to child custody, child support, and parenting time

Types of Restraining Orders

There are two types of restraining orders in New Jersey — temporary (TROs) and final (FROs).

Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs)

A temporary restraining order is a court order that temporarily protects a victim of domestic violence from their abuser. The TRO may be granted if the judge finds it necessary to protect your health, life, or wellbeing. It will remain in effect until the next court hearing.

Final Restraining Orders (FROs)

In New Jersey, a final restraining order is usually more detailed and permanent. The order may be issued at a final hearing where both parties will be allowed to present their cases. The FRO has no end date and will stay in place unless one of the parties files a legal motion for the court to modify or lift it.

Work with Experienced Family Law Attorneys

Everyone hopes to enjoy a relationship free of violence, but the person we once knew may suddenly turn into a complete stranger. If you’re experiencing domestic violence in your home or relationship, you need to act quickly to prevent serious injuries or death. Retaining an experienced family law attorney is paramount to help protect yourself, your legal rights, and ensure your safety.

At Schwartz, Hanna, Olsen & Taus, P.C., we have the experience and resources to assist domestic violence victims and help them seek protection. As your legal counsel, we will review all of the surrounding facts of your case, conduct a thorough investigation, and take proactive action to seek a protection order on your behalf. Our team will help craft a strategic safety plan for your circumstances and protect you and your loved ones.