Get free answers to your Domestic Violence legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I live in Florida and I'm about to turn 16 next month. My boyfriend, who is 19, was once close to my family but had a falling out with my brother in the past. My mother is currently threatening to take legal action against him, possibly by claiming statutory rape or seeking a restraining... View More 
I am aware of a potentially abusive relationship involving my friend, who I've known since she was 14. She is currently in a relationship with a man who was 18-19 when they started dating, and I have seen bruises on her, which she confirmed were caused by him. This man has a history of... View More
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answered on May 15, 2025
Yes, you can and should report this situation to the police in Florida. When there are signs of abuse, especially involving a minor, and the presence of firearms, it becomes a serious safety concern. The fact that your friend has visible bruises and admitted to being hurt, combined with the... View More
I need help dealing with my ex-boyfriend, who is wealthy and controlling. He gifted me a house, where I'm legally the sole owner, and some accusations against me have recently emerged. He claims I’ve stolen the house and committed fraud related to checks. We have proof via texts that he... View More
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answered on May 14, 2025
What you’re facing sounds incredibly stressful, and your concerns are valid—especially when the harassment is coming from someone with more financial resources and legal pressure. If the house was truly gifted to you and your name is on the deed as the legal owner, then you have a strong... View More
I have a no contact order against me from my wife, but my family texted her asking if she still loves me without my knowledge or involvement. Can I get in trouble for this even though I didn't know they were contacting her?
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answered on May 15, 2025
This kind of situation can feel stressful, especially when you’re trying to follow the rules but someone else’s actions might affect you. If your family contacted your wife without your direction or knowledge, that’s important—but it can still raise questions, especially if the message is... View More
Is it legal for family court or domestic violence judges to accept any type of testimony and evidence from an ongoing criminal case as true, even when they have zero jurisdiction over the subject matter? This acceptance is violating constitutional rights under the 5th, 6th, and 14th Amendments, and... View More
answered on May 1, 2025
The family court can consider any evidence that is admissible pursuant to the rules of evidence. It is up to the judge to decide about credibility of witness testimony. Speak with a local lawyer for more specific advice.
I have no criminal history, but I'm now facing a charge of simple battery-domestic. My wife and I had a heated argument, which escalated when she started hitting me. I tried to stop her by hugging her to calm her down and let her go so she could move to another part of the house. Despite this,... View More
answered on May 19, 2025
James L. Arrasmith has given you a fantastic answer. I also see you asked this on May 1 and I didn't have a chance to see it until May 19, so you might have already done everything I am about to recommend.
First, make sure you contact your Assistant Public Defender (APD) to discuss... View More
I need to obtain a restraining order against someone who is threatening to post false accusations from a long-dropped case of sexual assault on social media. I am concerned this could harm my family and children. I have not reported these threats yet. We had a past relationship as acquaintances.... View More
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answered on May 15, 2025
You’re facing a very distressing situation, especially with the threat to your family’s reputation and safety. To get a restraining order, start by going to your local courthouse or family court to file a petition for protection. You’ll need to explain clearly and provide any evidence of the... View More
I want to divorce my husband, and I've been married to him for nearly six years. I have never worked, and he has been in charge of everything financially. We don't have any children or shared property. I am seeking alimony and assistance to move out of state. My husband has alcohol... View More
answered on Apr 23, 2025
Go consult with a local family lawyer that offers a free consultation. You may be able to seek support for a short amount of time but in a six year marriage you are going to be expected to support yourself. Spousal support is based on your financial need and his financial ability to pay. Speak with... View More
My 15-year-old daughter was ordered to have biweekly visitations with her noncustodial parent through a court order established in 2010. However, she has undergone therapy since 2021 due to highly volatile interactions, including threats and verbal abuse from the noncustodial parent aimed at both... View More
answered on Apr 16, 2025
In Florida, a 15-year-old cannot unilaterally refuse court-ordered visitation, but the custodial parent can petition to modify the visitation order by demonstrating substantial changes in circumstances and showing that the current arrangement endangers the child's mental or emotional health.... View More
I was charged with aggravated assault after an argument with my wife in Belleview. The police claimed a gun was involved, but they didn't find one and no injuries were reported. My wife doesn't want to be a witness and wishes to drop the charges. At the bond hearing, she expressed her... View More
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answered on Apr 11, 2025
This must feel like a heavy situation, especially with so much on the line—your marriage, your business, and your reputation. Even though your wife wants to drop the charges, it’s important to understand that once the state files them, it’s no longer entirely in her control. Prosecutors can... View More
I currently have a shared custody arrangement with my child's father, where our son spends two weeks with each parent. Recently, DCF visited my son to inquire about his father and his father's girlfriend. There was an incident where the girlfriend cut herself, and it's unclear if it... View More
answered on Apr 10, 2025
At this point, I do not think you have enough information to proceed. You need to contact DCF for more information. its possible there could be another explanation why the girlfriend cut herself. A judge will want to know that to determine if the child is in danger.
What motion should I file for an emergency custody situation? I have shared custody of my son with his father, where my son stays with each of us for two weeks alternately. Recently, the father's girlfriend was hospitalized after cutting herself, though it's unclear if this was a suicide... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
In an emergency situation like this, you can file a motion for emergency custody with the court to temporarily change your son’s living arrangements. This motion is typically filed when you believe that your child’s safety or well-being is at risk, such as in cases involving domestic violence... View More
I was subjected to a common assault by my boyfriend on March 11, 2025, and I reported it, intending to press charges. However, he has filed a counterclaim against me, although I'm unsure of when this was done. I don't have any evidence or documentation related to either incident, and I... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
In a common assault case, you have the right to pursue charges if you were the victim of the assault. Since you’ve reported the incident, you can still press charges, even if you don’t have physical evidence right now. Testimony, witness statements, or medical records could serve as important... View More
I'm concerned about whether an arrest for domestic violence, not involving a minor, would be a disqualifying event under a level 2 background check statute 435.04 in Florida. The arrest led to an anger management course and counseling, and my record has been sealed and expunged. I have the... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
Under Florida's level 2 background check statute (435.04), an expunged domestic violence arrest may still be considered in certain situations, depending on the type of employment or licensing you are applying for. While your record has been sealed and expunged, the statute allows certain... View More
I recently discovered that my husband is cheating on me. I have not confronted him about it yet, and I'm concerned about my physical safety if I do. We haven't discussed divorce, but I have substantial evidence of his infidelity. I have family support at the moment. What steps can I take... View More
answered on Apr 7, 2025
Your only legal recourse regarding infidelity is to recover half of any money that is spent on the affair. You first need to decide if you will pursue a divorce or not. If yes, go see a local family attorney. If no, go see a local therapist who can help you, or both of you, moving forward. Speak... View More
I am seeking family law help for my son in Crestview, Florida. He needs assistance with a divorce and dealing with a temporary injunction that is connected to his felony domestic violence case. He currently has a public defender appointed for the felony case. In addition, there is one minor child... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
I'm sorry to hear about the challenges your son is facing. Navigating legal issues involving both criminal and family law can be complex, but there are resources in Crestview, Florida, that may assist you.
**Legal Aid Organizations:**
- **Legal Services of North Florida... View More
My son was arrested for domestic violence and is being held on felony 2 charges, even though his pregnant girlfriend stated he did not hit her. It is his first arrest, and he has not been assigned an attorney yet. The police issued a "no contact order," and they took pictures and spoke... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
It’s important for your son to get a lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer will be able to assess the evidence, including his girlfriend’s statement, and work on strategies to reduce or dismiss the charges. The fact that this is his first arrest and there was no physical evidence of harm could... View More
I have been the primary caregiver for my child, with her father having had no contact for 5 months and neglecting child support for 1 year and 5 months. My daughter solely lives with me, and our current understanding is that I have full custody, although there are no formal court orders in place.... View More
answered on Apr 1, 2025
You do not say if you are married or not. If you are unmarried and have never been to court for paternity then you can basically do whatever you like. If the father opposes anything then he would have to go to court. If you are married it is a similar situation. Speak with a local family lawyer for... View More
I have full legal and full physical custody of my children, and their birth father has supervised visitation rights two hours once a month, per a court order. However, he has not used these visits since 2022 and only saw the children once that year. He has expressed objections to someone else... View More
answered on Mar 31, 2025
The step parent adoption you are referencing requires the consent of both legal/biological parents, however the court can waive that requirement where it is alleged and proven that the non-consenting parent has abandoned the children, as that term is defined under Florida statues.
The... View More
I was charged by my family for allegedly breaking a temporary restraining order, which was done in retaliation after my son's father was jailed for abusing me in front of our child. Since then, I've established a good relationship with my son's newborn brother's mother. My... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
If you cannot attend your court date in Maryland due to financial and transportation issues, it’s important to address the situation as soon as possible. Missing a court date, especially for something as serious as a restraining order violation, could result in a default judgment against you,... View More
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