Divorce often brings emotional turmoil, but when domestic violence enters the picture, the stakes rise dramatically. California's "dominant aggressor" law changes how these cases unfold, especially during divorce proceedings. This law aims to protect victims and...
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Domestic Violence
Divorcing with domestic violence allegations
No marriage is perfect. While some couples can overcome their issues, others determine that divorce is their best option. However, when a marriage involves harm and abuse to a partner, it may not be as simple as filing for divorce to escape domestic violence. When...
Domestic violence: Protecting yourself during and after divorce
No relationship is perfect. Married couples will frequently have disagreements and disputes. While this is considered common, even in a healthy marriage, if the conflicts become aggressive or physical, this is no longer healthy or even safe. Events of domestic...
How exposure to domestic violence negatively impacts your child
As a parent, you have a drive to do everything you can to keep your child safe. While that means providing for them so that their basic needs are met, it also includes protecting them from dangerous environments. And that’s exactly what you might have to do if your...
Overview of restraining orders in California
but they may not know that there are different types of these orders and that they can vary in the types of restrictions they order. For domestic violence situations, however, the need for a restraining order may be immediate and it may need to be as expansive as...
Requesting a domestic violence protective order
If a person is the victim of domestic violence in California, they can request a restraining order, also known as a protective order. A protective order can ensure that the abuser cannot contact the victim for a period of time. Forms of domestic violence While...
Restraining orders and legal separation can keep a spouse safe
A victim of domestic violence in California can seek a temporary restraining order against their spouse and at the same time can seek a legal separation. The combination of these legal protections can help a victim of domestic violence live in a safe environment and...
What if I cannot wait to divorce an abusive spouse?
Like other states, California has what is called a residency requirement for people who want a divorce. In order to obtain a divorce in California, one or both of the spouses must have lived in the state for at least six months. They also must have lived in Riverside...
How do domestic violence allegations affect child custody?
There are many considerations that the court will assess in a California child custody case. One of the most contentious and challenging is if there are allegations of domestic violence or legal determination that domestic violence did occur in the past. Whether it is...
Is domestic violence exposure harming your kids?
Children are incredibly fragile. While they’re also resilient, this fact probably leaves you worried about your children’s wellbeing when they’re not in your care. This is understandable, but in most instances, children are safe when they’re in their noncustodial...