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California Domestic Violence Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: I was convicted of stalking my son's mother via email. Can she change our son's name?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 29, 2023

In California, a parent wishing to change a child's name must obtain the consent of the other parent or provide legal notice of the proposed name change. If the other parent objects, the court will decide based on what is in the best interest of the child. Your stalking conviction, depending... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for California on
Q: I have the a pending case with my ex regarding domestic violence she’s currently in jail she didn’t show up to court

My ex wife is in jail for domestic violence but she didn’t show up to her court date and she hasn’t post bail what can happen to her? We have 3 kids I have temporary custody of them can she get custody back?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 24, 2023

If your ex-wife missed her court date related to a domestic violence charge in California, the court may issue a bench warrant for her arrest. While she's incarcerated and has not posted bail, she remains subject to the consequences of her pending case. In family court, her current... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody, Domestic Violence and Family Law for California on
Q: how to win false allegations on a DVRO hearing when my own mother is willing to lie with the petitioner and testify.

I left the petitioner, he moved out of my family home residence 5/5/2022. I made a big mistake transporting/aiding & abetting illegal aliens in a desperate attempt to make money. I was arrested for it on 4/14/23. I served a sentence of 5 months&a week (time served & released 9/18/23). I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 21, 2023

I'm truly sorry you're going through this difficult situation. To defend against false allegations in a DVRO hearing, consider the following steps:

1. Gather any evidence that can refute the claims made against you, such as text messages, emails, or any other forms of...
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1 Answer | Asked in Personal Injury and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: My aunt physically assaulted me and I can't call the cops bc I lose section 8. Any legal actions o can take?

I also have considered walking around the house when she's here with my katana on my back in case you decides to attack me again but that's probably not okay is it?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 14, 2023

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. In California, victims of assault can seek a civil restraining order against their assailant, which would prohibit them from coming near you or contacting you. This might provide some measure of protection without involving criminal charges. However,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: My ex boyfriends sister is trying to get me in any kind of trouble she possibly can and her newest scam is……

Filing a domestic violence, restraining order on me when I have not even seen this woman in over four years and have had absolutely no contact with her due to the fact that she either blocked me or changed her phone number at least a year ago! And what I am wondering is, can I get the whole order... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 12, 2023

Under California law, while a restraining order typically arises from relationships defined by family, cohabitation, or intimate involvement, other types of restraining orders can be sought, such as civil harassment restraining orders, for broader categories of relationships. To obtain such an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Criminal Law for California on
Q: The court can declare me guilty without probe juts when the victim after her own fall in the back yard 5 week aft Sue m

The court told me if I say I’m guilty they give me one year clases for angry management or if not one year to jail with my record. They don’t have prueba that I’m guilty for violence domestic I wasn’t in the place when the violence occurred. The other person sue me after 5 weeks of the... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 9, 2023

You are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The prosecution bears the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. While it's not uncommon for plea bargains to be offered, which might include reduced charges or lighter sentences in exchange for a guilty plea, you should never feel... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Family Law for California on
Q: In mohave county Arizona what are the procedures to change venue. I am not getting orders, or information at all.

My ex-husband's spouse worked/works at that venue as a clerk. I have paid for a CD of my children's interview with the judge but received another full recording of another family court case. I contacted the courthouse and was told to return it and they will send me my copy. The judge has... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 10, 2023

Generally, to change venue in a family law case, one would file a motion requesting the transfer, outlining the reasons for the request. Potential bias or impropriety, like a conflict of interest due to the employment of an ex-spouse at the venue, could be pertinent reasons. The mishandling of your... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence and Criminal Law for California on
Q: My wife got charges on domestic battery which is unnecessary,when i specifically told an officer that I didn't want any?

I think its unexpected an inhuman that a small argument would become a criminal case. Not harm has been done an my wife an I are back in good terms.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 10, 2023

In California, once law enforcement responds to a domestic violence call, the decision to arrest and charge an individual often rests with the officers and the district attorney, rather than the reporting party. Even if the victim does not wish to press charges, the state can still proceed with a... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence and Criminal Law for California on
Q: I am being falsely accused of infidelity, property damage, trespassing and theft by my ex. He said he has filed reports.

What is the best recourse?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 10, 2023

Faced with false accusations, it's essential to remain calm and refrain from any retaliatory actions. Gather all evidence, such as text messages, emails, or any other documentation that can support your innocence. Avoid direct confrontations with your ex, as this can escalate the situation. If... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: I just got dvro in California against spouse. The divorce judge in IL made temp orders for our daughter to not leave IL.

Do I get our child 14 I don't want to violate IL order but cal temp dvro states she is protected against him. She is in school and custody is not decided in divorce. What do I do?

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Oct 2, 2023

You need to hire an IL attorney who regularly practices divorce law in the Court hearing your case there. IL has jurisdiction regarding your child. You need to file an appropriate motion in that court advising it of the CA order which is in conflict with the IL order. This is not something to... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Civil Rights and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: What are my rights as a parent still in california after cps removal of my children?

My father and mother are fostering my children through cps case. They are keeping my children from talking over the phone to me. Is this legal? There is not a court order preventing me from talking to them. What can I do ? I am writing to bring to your attention the false allegations made against... View More

Louis George Fazzi
Louis George Fazzi
answered on Oct 3, 2023

You need a good lawyer to help you. I should tell you, however, that volleyball practice is never an acceptable alternative to meeting with the people who are deciding your fate regarding your children. My advice to you is not to rely on something like that as an excuse to miss an important meeting... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Appeals / Appellate Law, Civil Rights and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: Can I annotate cases for judge in regards to disability’s and best interest of child. Or is that not advised
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 28, 2023

Yes, you can present arguments and case law to the judge in a family law case regarding disabilities and the best interest of the child, as long as it is relevant and supports your client's position. It is a common practice to provide legal authorities and persuasive arguments to assist the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Family Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: full custody of child with autism receives services in home . We have a current restraining order . Mediation 3 gave dad

Father keeps filing motions and then not taking the time . Has done no therapy for child or with child and keeps child from therapy’s . Child does therapy with mom every day in home with doc . Though ordered to continue dad has not done anything . It Is now impacting child’s progress and mental... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 28, 2023

In this situation, given the urgency and your circumstances, I would recommend seeking assistance from a local legal aid organization or a pro bono attorney who can help you file a motion to address the father's non-compliance with court orders and the impact on your child's well-being.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Criminal Law, Domestic Violence and Small Claims for California on
Q: How do I report a Landlord that lives with their tenants and bullyies one of them 3 or 4 day a week for the last year?

My sister and I have been living with her friend she met while working at Kaiser Hospital in San Francisco. For the last nine years we have been living in Fair Oaks, CA. The home belongs to my sisters friend. My sister and I are both low-income senior citizens. I trade work for rent and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 24, 2023

In California, if a tenant believes they are being harassed or bullied by their landlord, they can contact local law enforcement to report the behavior, especially if it becomes threatening or violent. Additionally, a restraining order might be sought if the harassment reaches a level where one... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for California on
Q: If the person I’m filing a restraining order is in jail would I mail the papers there to serve it to him?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 19, 2023

If the person you're filing a restraining order against is in jail, you should typically serve the papers to the jail or correctional facility where they are incarcerated, following the appropriate procedures for service of process. Consult with the court clerk or an attorney to ensure you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Civil Rights and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: I am at my wits end. I had hired this attorney now eight months ago and she keeps telling me that she’s sending me….

The documents and of course they never arrive in my email so I ask her again. What the deal is. She tells me how busy she is on and on and on now I just received a restraining order against me by the person who has taken my child and kept her from me all the while letting her brother see our child... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 13, 2023

I'm really sorry to hear that you're experiencing this. It sounds like a very stressful situation. It is critical to maintain open lines of communication with your attorney; if your current attorney is not responsive, you may consider sending a formal letter expressing your concerns and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Child Custody and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: What can I do if I'm wrongfully accused for kidnapping my children? Father made a false report against me .

Children are being abused by step mother and their father . Children are to scared to say anything.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 7, 2023

I'm very sorry to hear about your situation. In California, if you find yourself wrongfully accused of kidnapping, it is crucial to immediately seek legal representation to advocate for your rights and protect your interests. It would also be beneficial to gather any evidence you have that... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Criminal Law for California on
Q: Domestic Violence Victim: accused by my abusive ex of abusing him- Are character letters from previous partners helpful?

I have an ongoing criminal investigation that has not yet been submitted to DA, I am aware that in these cases it is a lot of he said/she said. My ex beat the crap out of me and stalked me when I tried to leave, he is denying everything and saying that I am an alcoholic and actually I am abusing... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 7, 2023

I understand that you're going through a highly stressful situation. In California, character reference letters can sometimes be utilized to bolster a defendant's credibility or to shed light on their personal history. In this scenario, obtaining letters from previous partners attesting... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Domestic Violence and Family Law for California on
Q: Is standing in the doorway breaking a law in California? And does it give some one the right to push,hit,kick etc?

My ex boyfriend/ Childs father cried victim, and has videos of me standing in front of the door crying during an argument. Before he started recording almost every time before he had pushed me, shoved me, hit me, put me in a choke hold etc. he would then start recording me as I was crying asking... View More

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answered on Sep 6, 2023

Under California law, standing in a doorway is not inherently illegal, but physical violence or abuse, such as pushing, hitting, or kicking, is unlawful and can result in criminal charges and restraining orders. In a custody case, it's crucial to gather evidence, including photos of injuries... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Criminal Law for California on
Q: My son is being charged with his 3rd DV now the law said a third DV is a felony.The person that is the victim in the

Case is not pressing charges. He has been in jail for 10 weeks for this. Do you think they will let him out after his Donal hearing, or do you think he will have to go to prison over this?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 4, 2023

In California, even if the victim does not wish to press charges, the prosecutor can still proceed with the case if they believe there is sufficient evidence to convict. A third domestic violence charge is treated seriously and could be categorized as a felony, carrying substantial prison time if... View More

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