Protect Yourself With an Order of Protection

An Order of Protection is a court order which prohibits certain behaviors of one person against another. These behaviors include domestic abuse, stalking, attempted assault, reckless endangerment, or disorderly conduct.

In a case of domestic violence, you can get an Order of Protection from a family court against a current or former spouse, a person with whom you have had a child, a family member that you are related to by blood or marriage, or someone with whom you have had an intimate relationship.

If the defendant violates such an order, he or she faces serious legal consequences, including arrest and imprisonment. These Orders of Protection can safeguard people from domestic violence situations, including those that may be exacerbated by an ongoing divorce proceeding or family court matter.

Judges can also protect your children, such as giving you legal custody, ordering child support from the defendant, and requiring any visitations between your children and the defendant to be supervised. Those who violate orders of protection can be:

• Arrested
• Given a jail sentence
• Charged with a more serious crime
• Prohibited from owning guns
• Required to pay for medical or other expenses caused by the abuse
• Put on probation

A temporary Order of Protection may be issued to offer a victim immediate protection. In these cases, a hearing is usually held at a later date to determine whether to keep the Order of Protection in place. If you are in fear for yourself and your loved ones, do not hesitate to call the Law Office Of Ronald S. Zimmer. We are dedicated to advocating for you before the court and assisting you in this legal action.

More About Family Court Orders of Protection

You can obtain an Order of Protection in a family court or district court. In a family court, these "O" docket cases are labeled family offenses. Upon your petition, you can receive one of two remedies:

• Stay away Order of Protection
• Refrain from Order of Protection

If your petition is sufficiently compelling, the judge may add a clause directing either or both parties to:

• Parenting classes
• Anger management
• Counseling treatment
• Mental health evaluations
• Substance abuse evaluations
• Drug testing