As if divorce and child custody disputes weren’t traumatic enough, too many of our Central Florida clients are also dealing with domestic violence. At Orlando Family Team, our highly capable attorneys are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support to everyone we represent. We are extremely sensitive to and protective of, clients involved in situations involving the toxic mix of child custody disputes and domestic violence.
If you are facing such disturbing realities, this content is designed to inform and guide you. Contact us today so we can take immediate steps to protect your family and help you restabilize your life.
Defining Domestic Violence
Domestic violence encompasses a broad spectrum of abusive behaviors used by one person in a relationship to control the other. It manifests in various forms, including:
- Physical abuse which involves physical harm or the threat of physical harm.
- Emotional abuse which may involve verbal assault, intimidation, manipulation, and constant criticism.
- Sexual abuse which involves any type of nonconsensual sexual act or behavior.
- Financial abuse which involves controlling or limiting access to financial resources.
- Psychological abuse which includes threats, fear tactics, or actions intended to diminish another’s sense of identity and self-worth.
All types of domestic violence are often hidden from those outside the household, but understanding the myriad dangers abuse poses is crucial to stopping its damage. Whether experienced directly as a victim or through observation, domestic abuse can scar all members of the family, especially vulnerable children. That’s why early legal intervention is essential.
How Domestic Violence Impacts Child Custody Decisions
In child custody cases, the court’s primary concern is the child’s welfare and safety. When domestic violence is a factor, it profoundly influences the court’s decisions. Judges carefully consider the nature, frequency, and severity of the abuse, and how it affects the child.
Because the court’s goal is to ensure a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for the child, once proven, domestic abuse typically disqualifies a parent for child custody. But, because false accusations of domestic abuse are not uncommon in acrimonious divorces, the judge must weigh all evidence with extreme care.
How Our Attorneys Will Fight to Protect Your Right to Custody of Your Child
Whether you are a victim of domestic abuse or have been wrongly accused of being a perpetrator, our attorneys know how crucial your custody rights are to your future relationship with your child and we are committed to defending those rights. No matter which side of the accusation you’re on, we’re in your corner.
Steps Our Attorneys Will Take to Protect You and Your Child From Domestic Abuse
If You Are a Victim of Domestic Abuse
We will advocate strenuously to ensure your voice is heard in court. By presenting compelling evidence of abuse (e.g. recordings of verbal abuse, photographs of injuries), we will fight to secure custody arrangements that prioritize the safety and well-being of you and your child. Depending on the severity of the abuse, we may recommend one or more of the following options:
- Order of Protection: also known as a restraining order, forbids the abuser from contacting or coming near you or your child.
- Probation or arrest: If necessary, we will work with law enforcement to ensure the abuser faces the legal consequences of their actions.
- Safehouse placement: If you and your child are in imminent danger, we will help arrange safehouse accommodations to ensure you are both secure in an undisclosed location.
At Orlando Family Team, we take domestic abuse very seriously. Once you contact Orlando Family Team, you are no longer alone or helpless. You have our knowledgeable child custody/domestic violence attorneys behind you and we are fully committed to protecting you and your child, and your right to custody.
If You Have Been Falsely Accused of Domestic Abuse
Being falsely accused of domestic violence can be as damaging as being a victim. As your attorneys, we are well aware that your finances, your reputation, your relationship with your child, and your freedom are all at risk. Our team employs several strategies to defend you against such allegations and safeguard your parental rights, including:
- Gathering evidence to refute false accusations (written documents, photographs or videos, witness testimonies).
- Presenting evidence to support your claims of self-defense to prove that if you did inflict harm it was done in response to another’s attack.
- Examining evidence of the opposing legal team to discover and highlight inconsistencies in false claims or unreliable witness accounts.
If necessary, our lawyers will work with prosecutors to explore potential alternatives to traditional sentencing, such as diversion programs or reduced charges. If your case proceeds to trial, we will provide vigorous courtroom advocacy, ensuring that your side of the story is effectively presented to the judge and jury.
Contact Us Now So We Can Help With Your Child Custody/Domestic Violence Case
As soon as you get in touch with us, we will listen carefully to the details of your case and conduct a thorough analysis of all available evidence and witness testimonies. In the process, we will identify strengths and weaknesses in the case so we can prepare the proper strategy whether we are defending you from abuse or accusations of abuse. Whichever situation you’re in, we know it is our responsibility to stand up for you and to legally protect your rights and the rights of your child. As soon as you contact us, you will feel safer and more confident about the future.
