Domestic Violence and Protective Orders in Virginia

Reliable, knowledgeable, and trustworthy are a just a few of the words clients use to describe The Daugherty Law Firm. Our attorneys are especially proud to stand up for the rights of victims of domestic violence. We understand that violence at home can cause anxiety, fear, and unrest, and we are here to be your voice. If you or someone you love requires legal assistance with a domestic violence case, do not hesitate in contacting us today.

Understanding domestic violence and protective orders

Under the Virginia code, domestic violence is family abuse. This term refers to any act of violence, force, or threat that results in bodily injury or fear of bodily injury. A case is a family abuse case when the victim is a family member of the offender.

The court grants a protective order in circumstances where one person requires protection from another. When a victim needs protection from a relative or housemate, he or she can try to have a protective order granted.

Following is some information on the three different types of protective orders:

• Emergency Protective Order (EPO): An EPO can legally order an abuser to stop abusing you, prohibit the abuser from contacting you, and order the abusive person away from your home.
• Preliminary Protective Order (PPO): A PPO is like an EPO, except you are also entitled to exclusive possession of your home, and/or jointly owned car. Furthermore, the court may grant you temporary custody of your children.
• Final Protective order: An FPO contains all the requirements of an EPO and a PPO. In addition, the abuser must pay for you and your children to reside in a new home, and the abuser must seek treatment.

A knowledgeable Manassas divorce lawyer can help you finalize a protective order. Additionally, an attorney can explain to you that protective orders are free and only last up to two years.

Contact an experienced team of family lawyers

The Manassas domestic violence and protective orders attorneys at The Daugherty Law Firm strive to help clients resolve family law conflicts as quickly as possible. Knowledgeable and compassionate, our Prince Williams County attorneys are ready to serve you. Contact us by phone at 703-659-2437 or via our online form and speak to one of our highly qualified attorneys today.