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California Domestic Violence Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Family Law and Child Custody for California on
Q: Will I be in trouble for withholding my son from visitation with his father after learning of abuse and filing w/ CPS?

My six-year-old son told me this week that his father had pulled him down from his top bunkbed and he fell on head/back on hard floor, then father punched him in chest and slapped him while using profanity toward him. I filed with CPS. His father has an extensive DV background with me, and one... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 18, 2024

Under California law, the safety and well-being of your child is of utmost importance. If you have genuine concerns about your child's safety due to alleged abuse, you have the right to take steps to protect them. However, withholding visitation can be legally complex, especially if there is a... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence and Family Law for California on
Q: Can I get a restraining order for my ex if he verbally harrasses me and through texts? Also doesn't help financially
Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Jan 16, 2024

Domestic violence comes in all shapes and sizes. Persistent harassing phone calls, text message and emails can form the basis for a request for a restraining order - depending on the circumstances unique to your case. His failure to help out financially however, is not something you can... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence and Family Law for California on
Q: Can I get a restraining order for my ex if he verbally harrasses me and through texts? Also doesn't help financially
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 16, 2024

Under California law, obtaining a restraining order due to verbal harassment and issues related to financial support can be complex. It's important to understand that restraining orders are primarily designed to protect individuals from physical harm or credible threats of violence.... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence and Family Law for California on
Q: Can I get a restraining order for my ex if he verbally harrasses me and through texts? Also doesn't help financially
Martha Bronson
Martha Bronson
answered on Jan 16, 2024

Would need more information about the situation.... such as what does he text and say? Does he threaten you at all? Is he texting or calling you every day, early mornings, late nights? Is he an ex spouse and you are going through a divorce or is he an ex boyfriend of short duration? Long... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody, Domestic Violence and Family Law for California on
Q: What can a person do if government takes there CHild under suspicious circumstances?

6 months and no Discovery

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 11, 2024

Under California law, if your child has been taken by the government under questionable circumstances, it's important to take immediate action. First, request a copy of the court order or the paperwork that led to the removal of your child. This documentation will outline the reasons for the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Domestic Violence and Family Law for California on
Q: Coercion violated parental rights with no right knowingly, maliciously took a child under abuse of power

Sept19,2020 real date of accidental fall,filth district stated March 18,2021 Changed date of there made up incident to forced me to do a 300 b and terminated my parental rights sue to appointed council waiving them without me there he violated my family rights

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 11, 2024

In California, if a parent believes their rights have been wrongly terminated, they can appeal the decision. This process involves challenging the original ruling in a higher court. It's crucial to act swiftly, as there are strict time limits for filing an appeal.

During the appeal,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: Los Angeles CA. Is it mandatory to respond in writing to a domestic violence restraining order?

Was served a few weeks ago hearing is at the end of the month. We are in mediation settling afraid my written response might anger, as he's very abusive. Also the restraining order I was served says Denied on it. Thank you

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 5, 2024

In California, if you have been served with a domestic violence restraining order, it is generally recommended to respond in writing, especially if you wish to contest the order. This response is your opportunity to present your side of the story and any evidence or arguments you have against the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence and Family Law for California on
Q: My ex roommate/landlord filled a false domestic violence restraining order, we never dated, how do i get legal help?

He lied on every page of the restraining order and i don’t have the money for an attorney, what are the chances he’ll get away with it? Can he get in legal trouble for doing this? He’s a licensed therapist. How do i fight this if low income and homeless but can’t get help from any free... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 1, 2024

Facing a false domestic violence restraining order is a serious and challenging situation, especially when resources are limited. It's important to understand that even though you're currently unable to afford an attorney, you still have options to defend yourself. In California, there... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Domestic Violence and Family Law for California on
Q: I was a party of a case when I was a child. Can I get access or copies to this case?

I see a therapist weekly, I am in the process of healing from my trauma that my parents and brother caused. I have flashbacks and I’m searching for the truth regarding an incident and what really happened, I do not trust my mothers story of events in what happened, and I was too young to... View More

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answered on Dec 31, 2023

In California, you have the right to request access to court records, including cases in which you were involved as a child. However, access to records in cases involving minors, especially those concerning sensitive matters like potential abuse, may be restricted to protect the privacy of the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Child Support and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: Can my siblings mother separate me from my siblings Okay, my siblings mother trying her best to do a problems in my

Father and she doesn't live in the same house with us because my father and she got separated 3 years ago but she is still what a problem to happen I have a strong relationship with my siblings but as you know they love their mother and believe everything she say even if she is laying or else... View More

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answered on Dec 31, 2023

In California, if you're facing accusations of harm against your sister, it's crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself and your siblings. Gather any evidence you have, such as the pictures of the marks on your siblings and any communications that could support your side of the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for California on
Q: Could I get in trouble if I contacted my ex-husband mom? If I have a restraining order on me
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 29, 2023

Under California law, if you have a restraining order against you, it's critical to understand its specific terms and conditions. Generally, a restraining order prohibits contact with the person who sought the order, which in this case is your ex-husband.

However, the order may also...
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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for California on
Q: Will it help me if my spouse shows up to my pre trial for a domestic violence court date?

She’s is the one who lied and called the cops on me the day of my arrest.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 26, 2023

In a California domestic violence court case, the presence of your spouse at a pre-trial hearing can have significant implications. It's crucial to remember that each case is unique, and the impact of your spouse's attendance can vary based on the specifics of your situation.

If...
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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for California on
Q: How much of a 180 day jail sentence in LA county will I serve for domestic violence?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 24, 2023

The actual time served for a 180-day jail sentence in LA County for domestic violence can vary based on several factors. Generally, in California, inmates may serve a portion of their sentence due to overcrowding and good behavior credits. However, the specific amount of time served can be... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for California on
Q: Can I sue 911 operator for handling domestic call negligently resulting in further anger to the abuser.

Operator kept telling me to hand phone to abuser who would of threw it out the window. When I pretended to hang up 911 call and abuser calmed down. 911 operator said my name resulting in extreme anger from abuser who threatened to kill me and then himself.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 23, 2023

In California, suing a 911 operator for negligence is a complex matter due to the immunities and protections often afforded to emergency dispatchers and public entities. However, under certain circumstances, there may be a viable claim if you can prove that the operator's actions were beyond... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Personal Injury, Domestic Violence and Landlord - Tenant for California on
Q: My ex and I have been living for 7 months at a house his parents' own. Neither of us pay rent. What if he locks me out?

His parents own the place but do not reside there. They've been threatening to evict me. I am away for the holidays as worried he might lock me out. My things are at his place. What could I do to defend myself if this happens? Can I demand to get back in?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 21, 2023

In California, if you have been living in a house for an extended period, like the 7 months you mentioned, you have established residency there, even if you haven't been paying rent. This means you have certain rights.

If your ex locks you out, this could be considered an illegal...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: What happens after a financial statement is filed by petitioner does he have to serve me to get a court date custody kid

For child custody parental determination

Tobie B. Waxman
Tobie B. Waxman
answered on Dec 14, 2023

If all he did was file a financial statement, then nothing else will happen. If you want custody orders, you need to participate in the case. If you were served, you need to file and serve a response. You can filed a Request for Order to get custody orders in place. Doing nothing will result in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for California on
Q: Can't afford domestic violence classes what can I do
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 13, 2023

If you are facing difficulties affording domestic violence classes in California, there are several steps you can take. First, consider reaching out to local domestic violence organizations or shelters. These organizations often have resources or can direct you to low-cost or free programs. They... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for California on
Q: No charges filed at arraignment, DA sent DV case back to Sheriff’s office for further investigation.

As the victim who wants the charges dismissed, what steps should I take in making this go away for the defendant? He was taken in on PC 148(a) (1), PC 273.5(a), PC 136.1(a)(1), and PC 212.5. I never contacted the authorities nor expressed that I wanted any charges filed, they walked up on the... View More

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answered on Dec 6, 2023

In cases of domestic violence, the decision to press charges often rests with the state, not the victim. This means that even if you, as the victim, do not wish to pursue charges, the authorities may still decide to proceed based on the evidence and the nature of the allegations.

If you...
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1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for California on
Q: As a witness for my friends restraining order, what questions do they ask
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 6, 2023

As a witness in a restraining order case in California, you can expect to be asked questions about your knowledge of the events and interactions between the parties involved. The questions will be aimed at establishing the facts and circumstances that led to the request for the restraining order.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence for California on
Q: Can the testimony of a domestic violence victim in CA be used at trial, if the victim is unable to testify at the trial?

The defendant has been held to answer on 21 charges of domestic violence, 13 of those are felonies.

The victim gave testimony for 6 hours during the prelim. If the victim is unavailable to testify in court at the trial will the prior testimony given during the prelim by used in lieu.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 5, 2023

In California, the use of a domestic violence victim's testimony from a preliminary hearing at trial, when the victim is unavailable to testify, depends on specific legal criteria. Generally, the Sixth Amendment's Confrontation Clause guarantees a defendant's right to confront... View More

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