Folsom Domestic Violence Attorney
Representing Those in Need in Northern California
If you have been the victim of domestic violence from a spouse, partner, or anyone in your household, the first step is to call the police and find a safe place for yourself and your children. From there, you may also want to reach out to a compassionate and knowledgeable domestic violence attorney in Folsom.
Our team at the Law Office of Tiffany L. Andrews, P.C. can help you navigate the necessary next steps to ensure protection for your family. No one should have to experience the pain of domestic violence. Our attorneys are here to help you through this tough time safely.
If you’re experiencing domestic violence, don’t wait—contact us today at (916) 794-4576 for immediate assistance and legal support.
Seek a Protective Order
If you or someone in your family is being threatened, harassed, or physically abused, we can help you request an emergency protective order (EPO) or a temporary restraining order (TRO) depending on the circumstances of your situation.
An EPO may:
- Prevent the abuser from coming within a certain distance of you
- Grant you temporary custody of your children
- Prevent the abuser from entering your shared home
EPOs remain effective for five court days or seven calendar days. A temporary restraining order is a longer-term solution, as it lasts the length of time until you can have a hearing.
There are no filing fees when applying for a protective order due to domestic violence. Once an order is approved, it must be served to the other party. For your own safety, you can use a process server, the sheriff’s department, or a neutral third party to do this.
Understanding Domestic Violence Laws in California
Domestic violence is a serious issue in California, and the law is designed to protect victims and hold abusers accountable. In California, domestic violence is legally defined as abuse or threats of abuse between people who have an intimate relationship, such as spouses, domestic partners, or people who live together. The law covers a wide range of abusive behaviors that can occur in the home or other intimate settings.
The different types of domestic violence include:
- Physical Abuse: This involves hitting, slapping, kicking, or any other form of physical harm. It also includes choking or restraining someone against their will.
- Emotional and Psychological Abuse: This type of abuse can be harder to recognize but is no less harmful. It includes verbal attacks, threats, manipulation, and controlling behaviors meant to intimidate or belittle the victim.
- Financial Abuse: This occurs when the abuser controls or restricts the victim’s access to financial resources, making it difficult for them to support themselves. This can include limiting the victim’s ability to work or access money.
- Sexual Abuse: This involves any form of sexual activity without consent. It can be especially traumatic and involve physical or emotional manipulation.
How Domestic Violence Affects Children
Children exposed to domestic violence can suffer significant emotional, psychological, and even physical consequences. They may witness physical abuse or live in an environment of constant tension and fear. Over time, this can lead to anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues, including difficulty in school and problems forming healthy relationships.
Legal Options for Protecting Children:
- Custody Arrangements: If domestic violence is involved, the court may adjust custody arrangements to ensure the child’s safety. In many cases, a parent may be granted sole custody to protect the child from harm.
- Supervised Visitation: The court may order supervised visitation, where the abusive parent can only visit the child in the presence of a neutral third party. This ensures the child is safe during visitation.
The Importance of Documenting Abuse
If you are a victim of domestic violence, documenting the abuse is crucial for both your safety and legal protection. Here are some key ways to document:
- Photos: Take pictures of any visible injuries, damaged property, or unsafe living conditions.
- Medical Records: Keep a record of any doctor visits or treatments related to abuse. These documents can serve as evidence in court.
- Texts and Messages: Save threatening messages, emails, or texts from the abuser. These can provide a timeline of abuse and demonstrate a pattern of harmful behavior.
Documenting abuse is essential in court proceedings because it helps establish the seriousness of the situation. This evidence can strengthen your case for obtaining a protective order, securing custody, or seeking other legal actions.
FAQ - Domestic Violence in California
What should I do if I am in immediate danger from domestic violence?
- If you are in immediate danger, call 911 right away. The police can help ensure your safety and take steps to protect you.
Can I file for a restraining order if I am not married to the abuser?
- Yes, California law allows anyone who has experienced domestic violence to request a restraining order, regardless of marital status. This includes those who are dating, living together, or have children with the abuser.
What is the difference between an emergency protective order (EPO) and a temporary restraining order (TRO)?
- An EPO is typically granted quickly by law enforcement and is valid for up to five court days. A TRO is granted by a judge and can last longer, typically until a court hearing is scheduled, usually 20-25 days.
Can domestic violence impact my child custody case?
- Yes, if there is evidence of domestic violence, it can significantly impact custody decisions. Courts prioritize the safety of children and may adjust custody arrangements or visitation schedules to protect them from harm.
What happens if the abuser violates a restraining order?
- Violating a restraining order is a criminal offense in California. The abuser can be arrested and face penalties, including jail time and fines. It is crucial to report any violation to law enforcement immediately.
What resources are available for victims of domestic violence in Folsom?
- In Folsom, you can contact local shelters, counseling services, and domestic violence support groups. The Law Office of Tiffany L. Andrews, P.C. can also assist with legal representation and navigating protective orders.
Can I still get a restraining order if I do not have physical evidence of abuse?
- Yes, even without physical evidence, testimony from you and any witnesses, along with documentation like text messages or threatening behavior, can be used in court to support your request for a restraining order.
Work with the Law Office of Tiffany L. Andrews, P.C.
Our domestic violence attorneys in Folsom are most concerned about your safety. When we work with domestic violence victims, we are compassionate and listen carefully to their story so that we can guide them in the right direction to safety. We encourage you to contact us as soon as possible so that you can protect yourself and your loved ones effectively.
Need help with a domestic violence case? Contact us now at (916) 794-4576 to speak with an experienced attorney and protect your rights.
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“Professional and Highly Commendable Family Lawyer!”
Ms. Andrews is a highly trained, professional, experienced, ethical, and commendable attorney. She has gone above and beyond in her education and specific focus of family law and it is clear in our interactions that she follows her business motto of "If you care, we care!" Ms. Andrews' staff are courteous and helpful as well. My case is complicated with child custody, small business ownership, and other factors. Ms. Andrews' has been communicative, clear, and concise in my options and implications of my choices. She gives me sound, logical legal advice that is the best for my situation. She truly has her clients' best interests in mind and she is confident in court as well as in negotiation with the opposing counsel. Ms. Andrews' follows through with what she says she will do and also will make sure future plans and what needs to be done are clearly laid out to the opposing counsel. I could not be more pleased with my attorney and highly recommend her without hesitation.- Tracy -
“Strongly Recommend! Goes above & beyond to help in the most difficult time!”
I was referred to Tiffany Andrews by another attorney who was dismissed from my case due to a conflict of interest, I was not confident in handling the case on my own. I contacted her office for advice on possibly representing myself. I first spoke to her staff, Sara & she already knew about my situation so she scheduled me with Andrews. I met with Andrews for a consultation and was 100% certain that I wanted her to represent me after our visit. I noticed that she was very knowledgeable and was already informed about my case from the previous attorney, So immediately I signed & started a retainer. She immediately got started, then she gave me our game plan & was very informative on anything that I had to do to make things run smoothly, I was very impressed with how fast her & her staff took action. She has brought up other suggestions that are in the best interest of my case. I feel that Tiffany Andrews & her staff (Sara) go above & beyond & are very compassionate about my case & the safety of my children. I 100% recommend Tiffany Andrews & her amazing team to anyone who is dealing with Custody or Restraining Order!- Previous Client -
“Guardianship”
Ms. Andrews,- Janet
Has guided and helped me thru a very difficult guardianship. I can't express how much I appreciated her expertise as my attorney. Thank you, Ms. Tiffany Andrews. -
“Effective and Professional Representation”
When an already difficult case took an unexpected turn, my Family Law attorney suggested another member of her team take on this new aspect of my case. As the issues of the case unfolded I was very relieved that Tiffany had been brought on to handle this troubling matter. Her professional confidence provided a sense of security while her familiarity with the complex issues kept me reassured. I am extremely happy with the final outcome of the issue and would confidently recommend Ms. Andrews for quality representation.- George -
“Great Law Firm.”
Great Law Firm. They were professional and very caring to my situation. Would highly recommend this Law Firm.- Gabriel -
“Peace of Mind”
Tiffany is perfect! She made herself available to me right away! She is a great listener!! I would recommend her to anyone going through custody battles and divorce.- LaCrisha -
“I will always be thankful that you represented me.”
- Rachel L.Thank you for all your work and support on my file I appreciate everything you have done for me and all the recommendations you gave me. You truly helped me through one of the most difficult times and helped me get to a better place. I will always be thankful that you represented me.
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“Child & family advocate”
Tiffany is an amazing lawyer. She shines in the courtroom. I recommend hiring her for child & family law and cps dependency court cases. She is well respected in her profession and has solid knowledge of the law.- Ann
