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3 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence, Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: What steps for confronting cheating husband safely and legal protection?

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

Kunal Mirchandani
Kunal Mirchandani
answered on Apr 7, 2025

I’m really sorry you’re facing this difficult situation. Since you’re concerned about your physical safety, it’s important to prioritize that above all else. If you decide to confront your husband, try not to do it alone—choose a public place, have a trusted person nearby, or even... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Domestic Violence and Civil Litigation for Georgia on
Q: Being stalked and harassed by neighbors and falsely accused of a crime. How to ensure safety?

I've been stalked and harassed by my neighbors for months, and it's intensified this month. They've accused me of a crime I didn't commit, causing severe emotional distress. I've documented instances with the police and have a witness, my mom. We obtained a temporary... View More

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Apr 7, 2025

If the DIY remedies are not working, you need to consult with a LOCAL lawyer one who knows the lay of the land and the important people involved) regarding potential additional civil and criminal actions.

Facilitating with local law enforcement can be very effective, and in lieu of that...
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2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: How to request lifting a CPO in California DA case?

I am the victim in a DA case, and a Civil Protection Order (CPO) was issued by a judge in court under a penal code three weeks ago. I don't want this CPO as I'd like to be able to see and talk to my fiancé. We have an upcoming court date on May 27. The incident involved my fiancé being... View More

Mario Tafur
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Mario Tafur
answered on Apr 7, 2025

Dear Fullerton Resident,

I am more than happy to provide guidance on your question regarding how to request the lifting or modification of a Criminal Protective Order (CPO) issued in your domestic violence case in California. As the protected party in this matter, I understand your desire...
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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Domestic Violence and Real Estate Law for California on
Q: Rights regarding rental house and responding to DV restraining order.

I rented a house with the mother of my daughter, with her signing the lease first and me second. At that time, I was the sole breadwinner, covering most of the deposit and bills, while even having to get early paychecks to secure the house. Now, she has a restraining order against me, alleging... View More

Mario Tafur
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Mario Tafur
answered on Apr 7, 2025

Regarding your rights to the rental house, California law under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act allows courts to issue orders that may temporarily exclude one party from a shared residence, even if both parties are on the lease or have made financial contributions. In Nicole G. v. Braithwaite... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: How to obtain a firearm permit in GA with past misdemeanor?

I am a resident of Georgia and was convicted of misdemeanor criminal trespass with a domestic violence charge over 10 years ago in Chatham County. I am now living in Cobb County. There have been no changes to my conviction status, and I am not facing any other legal issues. I am looking to obtain a... View More

Glenn T. Stern
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Glenn T. Stern pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 5, 2025

Anyone convicted of a domestic violence charge is banned from owning or possessing a firearm as per the Federal statute 18 U.S.C. § 922(g) (aka"the Lautenberg Amendment.")

As long as you have that conviction, you're not going to be able to have one. There may be a long-shot...
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3 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Domestic Violence for Georgia on
Q: How to obtain a firearm permit in GA with past misdemeanor?

I am a resident of Georgia and was convicted of misdemeanor criminal trespass with a domestic violence charge over 10 years ago in Chatham County. I am now living in Cobb County. There have been no changes to my conviction status, and I am not facing any other legal issues. I am looking to obtain a... View More

Joshua Schiffer
Joshua Schiffer
answered on Apr 6, 2025

Glenn is correct and there are limited pathways to re-obtaining your 2nd amendment rights after a DV conviction.

But its a moving target, for sure.

BEST option is to retain a local Cobb person (like me of many others) to try and amend/change/vacate/void the old conviction....
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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Domestic Violence and DUI / DWI for California on
Q: Does probation status affect sentence eligibility in CA?

I'm currently on felony probation in Sonoma County, CA, for domestic violence and DUI charges. I have a separate court case in Lake County, CA, where I am being offered a plea deal for a two-year sentence for auto theft. I would prefer to serve time in state prison rather than county jail.... View More

Mario Tafur
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Mario Tafur
answered on Apr 4, 2025

Your current felony probation status in Sonoma County for domestic violence and DUI charges does impact your sentencing eligibility in your Lake County auto theft case, where you’re offered a two-year plea deal and prefer state prison over county jail. Under California Penal Code § 1203, if the... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence, Child Custody and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: Can I get a restraining order against my son's father and grandmother after they harmed my son?

I have a restraining order against my son's father since 2018. During recent parenting time, my mentally disabled 9-year-old son was strangled, punched, and beaten. His grandmother, who supervises visits, claimed she did this while trying to get him in the car. I called the police and have... View More

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Apr 3, 2025

You have the right to proceed with claims through DCPP, criminal prosecution through the local / county prosecutor's office, and through the court system using New Jersey's child abuse statutes - 9:6-1 - 9:6-3 & 2C:24-4.

Given what occurred, you "may" also be able...
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3 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence, Child Custody and Family Law for New Jersey on
Q: Can I get a restraining order against my son's father and grandmother after they harmed my son?

I have a restraining order against my son's father since 2018. During recent parenting time, my mentally disabled 9-year-old son was strangled, punched, and beaten. His grandmother, who supervises visits, claimed she did this while trying to get him in the car. I called the police and have... View More

Leonard R. Boyer
Leonard R. Boyer pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Apr 3, 2025

You can certainly press criminal charges against both parties. Whether or not you can obtain a restraining order against the grandmother requires more facts. You may be able to obtain a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on your own. Then if you get the TRO, you will need to retain an experienced... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Divorce, Family Law and Domestic Violence for Ohio on
Q: How can I present my custody situation in court after my separated husband prevented me from picking up our son?

I have been separated from my husband for about three years, and we have no legal custody agreements. We agreed that our son, who is almost four years old, would spend the holidays with his father, and I would pick him up in the first week of January. When I tried to pick him up, my husband... View More

Todd B. Kotler
Todd B. Kotler
answered on Apr 2, 2025

It sounds like you really need to hire a domestic relations attorney i the city where your husband filed for divorce. While you have a right to represent yourself, I do not recommend it. This forum is for answering general questions. No attorney can teach you within a single answer each rule of... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence, Civil Litigation and Personal Injury for New Jersey on
Q: What kind of attorney do I need as a victim of domestic violence in NJ seeking to press charges and pursue financial compensation?

I am a victim of domestic violence in Bergen County, NJ, and I want to press charges. There is a TRO filed for both parties involved, and we've only had an initial court date which provided a trial date. I have documentation and videos of the incident, and I am seeking financial compensation... View More

Elena K. Weitz
Elena K. Weitz
answered on Apr 2, 2025

A family law attorney with experience representing victims in domestic violence matters can represent you in obtaining a final restraining order and can make a request for attorney fees related to that hearing when your final restraining order is granted. There are also State victims resources that... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence, Civil Litigation and Personal Injury for New Jersey on
Q: What kind of attorney do I need as a victim of domestic violence in NJ seeking to press charges and pursue financial compensation?

I am a victim of domestic violence in Bergen County, NJ, and I want to press charges. There is a TRO filed for both parties involved, and we've only had an initial court date which provided a trial date. I have documentation and videos of the incident, and I am seeking financial compensation... View More

Richard Diamond
Richard Diamond
answered on Apr 2, 2025

Since the other side has filed a domestic violence complaint against you as well the one you filed against him / her, your best option is finding an experienced family law attorney who has TRIAL EXPERIENCE representing people in domestic violence trials and who knows how to put together a trial... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence and Criminal Law for Missouri on
Q: Is my domestic violence charge a misdemeanor or felony?

I have a court date on May 16 regarding a new charge for domestic violence. I want to know if this charge is considered a misdemeanor or a felony.

Steve D. Hardin
PREMIUM
Steve D. Hardin
answered on Apr 1, 2025

It can be filed as either a felony or misdemeanor depending on the alleged facts. To know for certain you need to have an attorney review the actual charges. This can be part of the hiring process and you do need to hire an attorney to help with your case.

Do not discuss the case with...
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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Family Law and Domestic Violence for Florida on
Q: How can I file for full custody in Florida when child's father is absent and neglectful?

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

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
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

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2 Answers | Asked in Domestic Violence, Child Custody and Family Law for Oklahoma on
Q: Does a Nevada TPO and custody carry over to Oklahoma?

I recently fled a domestic violence relationship in Oklahoma and relocated to Nevada with my children. I acquired a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) in Nevada, where I was also granted temporary custody on March 18th, 2025. I registered this order with the state of Oklahoma. There is no prior... View More

Charles Watts
Charles Watts
answered on Mar 31, 2025

The courts will have to determine jurisdiction. It sounds like you just recently moved, and the residence of the minor child would have been in Oklahoma prior to you leaving. Which then most likely, the fathers motion will be heard here, and the Nevada court will most likely transfer their case... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Texas on
Q: How can a minor in Texas seek full custody for their mother due to emotional abuse from their father?

I'm a 15-year-old in Texas dealing with emotional abuse from my dad, who has partial custody. I realized about 5 years ago how serious the situation was, and last summer, I was hospitalized following a suicide attempt partly due to his actions. My counselor, therapist, and mom all agree that... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Mar 31, 2025

It depends entirely upon the particular behavior that you consider "emotional abuse." You should turn over all of the evidence you have to your mom's attorney, who is more familiar with the facts and circumstances of your particular case than any attorney in a Q&A forum online.... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law, Divorce, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Nevada on
Q: Adjustment of status denied after spouse's withdrawal, now out of status.

I got married to my ex-husband two years ago while I was on a J1 visa and in status. He filed for my adjustment of status, but now our marriage is ending due to his alcoholism and drug use, along with his lack of financial support. Recently, I received a message from USCIS saying my case was denied... View More

Stephen Arnold Black
Stephen Arnold Black
answered on Mar 31, 2025

If you were the victim of emotional or physical spousal abuse, then you could file an independent petition for a green card under the violence against woman act. The success of an application would depend upon the unique facts of your case. If he was an alcoholic, and he was threatening to withhold... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Child Custody, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Georgia on
Q: Should I file a petition or motion for custody interference in Georgia?

I filed an affidavit of custody election in Chatham County, GA, signed on January 20, 2025, and filed on March 21, 2025. My child's father is now threatening my son by saying he will take away his truck, phone, vacations, etc., if my son follows through with the affidavit. I also have text... View More

Alake Colwell Furlow
Alake Colwell Furlow
answered on Apr 16, 2025

I think you should speak to an attorney. It would benefit you to sit down and discuss what goals you are trying to achieve and then an attorney can determine the best way to achieve those goals. Because what you should or shouldn't file depends on what relief you are actually seeking through... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law and Domestic Violence for Michigan on
Q: Facing child abuse charges with CPS involvement. Need legal guidance.

I'm facing a child abuse case, accused of 3rd-degree abuse, and there's a warrant out for my arrest. CPS has already removed my children from my home, and I'm currently involved in court proceedings with CPS. I haven't consulted with a lawyer yet, but I urgently need one before... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Mar 29, 2025

You will likely need two lawyers. While probably related, a CPS case and criminal case are legally very different with different burdens of proof. What you'll need to do in a CPS case is different than what you'll need to do in a criminal case. Because of that, most lawyers would not be... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Adoption, Child Custody, Child Support, Domestic Violence and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can my husband adopt my children if I have full custody and their birth father has visitation rights, but hasn't visited since 2022 and is behind on child support?

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

Daniel A Bachert
Daniel A Bachert
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...
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