Domestic Violence Restraining Orders

Domestic violence is difficult to deal with on its own, and can greatly complicate a family law matter such as a divorce or custody case. If you need a California domestic violence protection order, you may have very mixed emotions, including fear of your abuser, concern for their well-being as well as your own, anxiety about facing the legal system, and more. These feelings are natural. Domestic violence is a complex situation, and you may need help to safely extricate yourself (and possibly others, like your children) from a dangerous situation.

At Comstock & Wagner, we understand the emotions and complexities involved in your case. We can guide you through the legal process so that you can move on to a more secure future.

Central Coast Attorneys for Domestic Violence Restraining Order Cases

At Comstock & Wagner, we concentrate our entire practice in the area of California family law, including domestic violence restraining orders. Our board-certified family law specialists have extensive experience representing victims of domestic violence as well as alleged perpetrators. We understand how allegations of domestic violence affect other family law matters, and our years of experience in the California courts can help protect your safety and your rights.

Domestic violence often involves a romantic partner, but it could involve some other close relationship, including:

• Spouse or ex-spouse
• Someone you are currently dating or to whom you are engaged
• Someone you were dating or engaged to in the past
• Someone you are living with
• Someone with whom you have a child in common
• A close relative like a parent, grandparent, sibling, in-law, or child.

Domestic violence may include physical harm, including sexual assault; harassment; and verbal threats. An abuser may threaten to harm someone you love, like a child or a pet, if you try to leave. Abuse may also include destroying or stealing your property, or breaking into or lurking around your home or workplace to intimidate you.

You may have never expected to find yourself in the position of experiencing domestic violence, and you may even feel embarrassed or ashamed. Don't be. Domestic violence happens to men and women, married or single, LGBTQ or straight, and from all walks of life. The important thing is to ensure that you are safe, and that your rights are not violated.

What a California Domestic Violence Restraining Order Will Do

A California domestic violence restraining order is intended to protect you from physical harm, harassment; and verbal threats. If you are in immediate danger, you should contact law enforcement to seek an emergency protective order.

The attorneys of Comstock & Wagner will help you to file the documents you need to request a temporary restraining order (which offers protection until your case can be heard in court) and will represent you at the hearing on your domestic violence restraining order. If the court grants your order, it may order your abuser:

• Not to contact you or anyone else who is named in the restraining order, such as your family members
• Not to own firearms
• If you have children together, to see them only as ordered by the court, and to pay child support
• To pay spousal support
• Not to damage, dispose of, or interfere with your property or property that you own jointly with your abuser.

In California, there are criminal restraining orders and restraining orders issued by a civil or family court. You can ask for a civil restraining order even if there is already a criminal restraining order in place.

Experienced Santa Maria Restraining Order Attorneys

The experienced attorneys of Comstock & Wagner will guide you through your domestic violence restraining order case with skill, strength, and sensitivity. We understand the challenges you are facing at this difficult time.

Comstock & Wagner is conveniently located in a private building with off-street parking near the courthouse in Santa Maria. The firm represents clients throughout the central coast of California, including Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo.

If you have questions about California domestic violence restraining orders, we invite you to contact Comstock & Wagner to schedule a consultation. We look forward to working with you.