If you or anyone you care about is experiencing domestic violence or has experienced it in the past, the right lawyer is just the person they need to help them through all the relevant legal issues tied to their case. It is a time of hardship and confusion, and having a professional lawyer on your side can help you navigate the situation a lot more efficiently.
First on a domestic violence lawyer's agenda is helping victims take legal actions and stay safe. They make sure the victims' rights are protected, that they have representation in court, and that the person who hurt them can't do it anymore. Sadly, many times they are too confused, overwhelmed, or afraid to make the best decision for themselves.
Getting legal protection
Typically, one of the first things that a domestic violence lawyer will do is obtain a restraining order so the attacker can't reach the victim, their home, their workplace, or their children. Once they're out of the way, the lawyer and victim/client can work together on any further proceedings.
Family and custody
When domestic abuse sadly happens in a family, especially when there are kids involved, the lawyer will also handle all the legal issues relevant to their safety. This means custody, supervision (if necessary), and visitation rights. If a divorce is on the line, the lawyer can help the parents reach an agreement while having minimal contact.
Emotional and legal support
Having a lawyer sort through the legalities of a case of domestic abuse allows the victim to mind their own healing and rehabilitation. In many cases, just knowing there is someone at your side, tackling the legal, formal side of things, is enough to create the right kind of relief for a survivor to be able to cooperate in court in a more confident and empowered way.
What other resources are there?
While they can't replace the work and support of a professional lawyer, there are websites and services that can help you out and even support your lawyer's work. Safety Net Project, for example, provides information on the intersection of technology and domestic violence, including a guide to using technology to document evidence of abuse (things like medical records, messages, and photos).
Since reaching out for help can sometimes get risky, legal aid organizations and other services offer online chats and sometimes online consultations. In addition, their online websites are likely to contain resources and connections to help you out even if you're not using their legal services.
How to find the right person
When choosing a lawyer, take a look at the person's past experience and check if they have experience in domestic violence cases similar to yours. Check if they offer prior (and potentially free) consultation. If they do, use that session to ask them anything to see how comfortable you are with them. Don't be afraid to ask about their relevant experience, work process, and the methods they use to keep your information private. The most important thing you can do in that session is to establish trust. Tell them if you think you'll need their support in between court dates. Look for domestic violence organizations in your area, shelters, legal directories, and Legal Aid services to find the lawyer you need. Since laws can change depending on the state and the city, it is more likely that a local lawyer would have more relevant knowledge of the law and available resources and could help you better than an out-of-towner.
Once a lawyer is decided on, you will need to work together, so have your lawyer explain every step of the way to you in plain language. You deserve to know what's happening. This way, you can also be better prepared for your court dates and one step closer to living a harm-free life.
Asking for help in such a difficult situation can sometimes be scary, but it is the bravest and most important thing you can do for yourself and your future. Use your voice. Take that step. Make a difference.
