Domestic Violence & Orders of Protection

Compassionate and Comprehensive Family Law Attorneys in Columbia

When it comes to protecting yourself and your family, it is important to understand your legal rights and options. Domestic violence is a serious, dangerous problem that can be hard to escape from, but using your legal rights to separate yourself, and your children, from your abuser can prove one of the most effective methods. If you are suffering from a harmful domestic situation and want to petition for an order of protection, make sure you understand your legal choices and knows what to expect.

At Columbia Family Law Group, LLC, we understand how confusing and stressful it can be to be caught in a family law situation you don't fully understand, especially if violence is involved. Our attorneys have more than 35+ years of legal experience and we understand how the Missouri legal system works to protect abused spouses and their children, and we want to help you obtain the protection you need.

Domestic Violence in Missouri

There are many forms domestic violence can take, any of which can be harmful to a person's emotional, mental, and physical well-being. By law, domestic violence is defined as the attempt, threat, or act of abuse against a partner or family member.

If you are a victim of domestic violence, or your children are being threatened, help is available. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline online at thehotline.org or call (800) 799-7233 to speak with a trained advocate.

Orders of Protection

Any individual who has been threatened, stalked, or sexually assaulted by a family member, household member, or intimate partner may use legal means to protect himself/herself. Under the Missouri Domestic Violence Act, this may include an order of protection for either an adult or child.

An order of protection will prohibit the abuser from committing any further acts of domestic abuse. The abuser, called the respondent, may also be required to move out if he or she was living with the petitioner. The respondent could also be required to pay for medical expenses caused by the abuse, as well as financial expenses, including rent or car payments, on a temporary basis. In certain circumstances, the petitioner may also ask the court for temporary custody through the order of protection.

Obtaining an Order of Protection

In order to obtain an order of protection, the abused party, or the parent of the abused, must first file a petition with the court. Once the petitioner has requested a protection order, the abuser will be served the order, at which point the order is enforceable. This temporary order will stand until the hearing, which will take place within 15 days of filing. Future court dates may change the terms stipulated in the order of protection, allowing for more permanent terms of financial assistance, child custody, and other matters.

Let Our Family Lawyers Help You!

Our team of experienced attorneys at Columbia Family Law Group, LLC know how complicated family law matters can be, especially when domestic violence is involved. Whatever family law issue you are facing, our team of skilled legal professionals wants to help.