Orders of Protection in Family Court
Representation for people seeking safety and for those responding to allegations in family-related matters. Fast action and clear legal guidance.
If You Need Protection
An order of protection is a court order that legally limits another person's contact with you. If you are experiencing violence, harassment, threats, or other abuse in a family relationship, you can petition Family Court for an order of protection.
An order of protection can include:
- Stay-away orders (the person cannot come within a specific distance)
- No-contact orders (no phone, email, in-person, or third-party contact)
- Custody and parenting time limitations
- Orders to pay support or costs
- Removal from the home
- Surrender of weapons
You can petition for an order of protection even if you are not married, even if you do not live with the person, and even if you did not call police. Quick action is important—do not wait. We can file your petition and represent you at hearings.
If an Order of Protection Is Filed Against You
If an order of protection has been filed against you, this is a serious matter. Violating an order can result in arrest, criminal charges, and jail time. Do not ignore the court papers. You have the right to respond, present your side of the story, and challenge the allegations.
Why you need legal representation:
Serious Consequences
An order can affect custody, your right to see your children, housing, employment, and firearms.
Criminal Exposure
Violating an order, even unintentionally, can result in criminal charges and jail time.
Court Attendance Required
You must appear in court. Missing appearances makes things worse. We prepare you and present your defense.
Your Story Matters
The other side's account is not the whole story. We help you present evidence and testimony that fairly represent your side.
How an Order of Protection Can Affect Custody and Contact
An order of protection can severely limit or eliminate your contact with children if the order is between you and the parent with whom the children live. This can affect parenting time, visitation, and even your ability to make decisions about the children's education or medical care.
If you have an order of protection in place and you want to maintain or modify custody and parenting time arrangements, we help you navigate this complex situation. Sometimes orders can be narrowed or modified to allow continued parenting while maintaining safety.
If you are responding to an order of protection and you have concerns about its effect on your custody and parenting time rights, contact us immediately. Early legal representation can preserve your interests in family court.