What Lawyers Can Do For Victims of Domestic Violence

domestic violence lawyer Brisbane can be challenging, both emotionally and legally. Domestic violence is one of the ugliest aspects of human society. For many reasons, some people will physically or mentally abuse their spouses, intimate partners, children, and even their parents. Fortunately, most people do not engage in this behavior, but there are some who either don’t see it as wrong or they just can’t control their anger. To clarify things, domestic violence is not the same as civil harassment. The former involves interaction between family members or intimate partners, while the latter involves similar actions, but between people with other relationships such as neighbors, co-workers, or business partners. A domestic violence lawyer Brisbane can be of tremendous assistance to a victim. While it is not necessary to hire a lawyer to seek help from the state court system, a lawyer experienced in the field knows what to do and understands the realities of domestic violence situations. A key area in which domestic violence lawyers play a large role is representing victims in court and dealing with their abusers. This takes a big load off the victims and allows them to breathe much easier through the course of gaining relief from a domestic violence nightmare. Domestic violence is a very emotional issue, and emotion often interferes with clear thinking. Contacting a domestic violence lawyer is the best first step toward dealing effectively with an abusive relationship.

Here are ways a domestic violence lawyer can help:

1. Getting a protection or restraining order in place.

Victims of domestic violence can seek a protective order which may prohibit the abuser from making contact, coming within a certain distance of the victim, or possessing firearms. In certain instances, a protective order can also require that the abuser move out of a home shared with the victim.

2. Filing a domestic violence lawsuit.

A domestic violence lawsuit is a civil lawsuit that allows a victim of domestic violence to recover for any medical expenses or financial loss, or pain and suffering caused by the domestic violence.

3. File for divorce.

If the perpetrator is a spouse, a domestic violence attorney can assist you through the divorce process, including your right to spousal support and receiving your share of marital property.

4. Working to get you custody of your kids.

If the abuser is also a parent of your children, a domestic violence attorney can help you get custody of your child as well as child support from the other parent.

5. Representing you in court and deal with the abusive party.

A domestic violence attorney will be your advocate in court, obtain and complete the required documents, and deal with the opposing side throughout the legal process.

If you cannot afford a domestic violence lawyer, there are lawyer referral services that can help you find one with experience in the field of domestic violence. Make sure to let the referral service know that you need a lawyer with this kind of experience, as not all referral services will know the right lawyer to recommend to you. Moreover, you may be eligible or able to secure legal aid. or free or low-cost legal help or, if they cannot provide help, they may be able to refer you to a lawyer in your area who can take your case pro bono or on a sliding scale.