Jacksonville Divorce and Family Law Lawyers

Domestic Violence

Under Florida law “Domestic Violence” means any assault, aggravated assault, battery, aggravated battery, sexual
assault, sexual battery, stalking, aggravated stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment or any criminal offense resulting in physical injury or death of one family or household member by another family or household member. §741.28(2), Fla. Stat. 

A “family or household member” does not have to be your spouse. It could be your former spouse, a person related by blood or marriage, a person who is presently residing with you or who has resided with you in the past as a family and a person with whom you have a child in common, regardless of whether or not you ever married. 

Domestic violence accusations are a very serious matter. Whether they are accurate or not, accusations of domestic violence can change your life forever. The entry of an Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence against you could affect your ability to obtain a job or, if you are in the military service, it could affect your security clearance and thus your ability to stay in the military service.

If you have been a victim of domestic violence, or have reasonable cause to believe you are in imminent danger of becoming a victim, you need to know your rights before you appear in court. In addition to an injunction, you may be entitled to temporary relief which may include child support, spousal support, supervised time-sharing and/or exclusive use and possession of your home. Failure to properly ask for those things in your petition may preclude you from receiving that relief from the Court.

If you have been accused of domestic violence you should seek the assistance of an experienced attorney who is familiar with domestic violence and will aggressively defend you against claims that may have little or no merit.

Both the accuser and the accused have rights. No matter which side you are on, you should have a lawyer that will fight to protect your interests. Our firm is experienced in representing clients on both sides of domestic violence disputes.