Brooklyn, NY asked in Domestic Violence for New Jersey

Q: I live with my abusive husband in NJ.I want to move to NY for my safety.Can I start VAWA in NY or I have to start in NJ?

I did not start restraining order yet,but I have 2 police report .He is cheating and blackmailing me too and I have no documents.He is permanent resident.What state I can start the case if I will move please?

Related Topics:
2 Lawyer Answers

A: You need to retain a NJ attorney who has extensive domestic violence trial experience, that also practices immigration law. There are only a few attorneys who can handle this matter. Do not let geographic restrictions get in the way of retaining the best attorney. Pick the best attorney you can find and remember one rule: a good attorney is generally never cheap, and a cheap attorney is generally never good so don't choose based on price.

A: Thank you for your question.

First, it is best to contact local law enforcement immediately if you are being threatened. Since you are currently living in NJ, it would be best to file for a restraining order in NJ. If you move, you may be able to obtain similar relief in NY, however, since you currently live in NJ it is most appropriate to address your concerns here. Based on your unique circumstances, it would be best to contact an experienced family law attorney to address your specific concerns.

I hope this information was helpful to you.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.