Seeking safety for yourself and loved ones

It’s terrifying and overwhelming when you don’t feel safe in your own home. If you believe you could be in harm’s way because of another person who lives in your house or who has access to you on a personal level, there are legal options available to you. You have the right to pursue the legal steps necessary to find peace and physical safety for yourself and your loved ones.

There are certain types of protective orders available to those who are facing the threat of violence. These can be effective in motivating an offending party to cease his or her actions toward you, and they also give you grounds to seek police help in the event the other party violates the order. If you have concerns about your safety, you may want to speak with a legal ally regarding the protections you should seek.

Which order is best? 

There are a few different types of protective orders available to you. The right choice depends on the nature of the individual situation and the specific threats you may be facing. Protective orders include:

• Protection orders: This type of order is typically valid anywhere from one to five years. It can include specific provisions, such as prohibiting someone from coming close to you, to your home or attempting to contact you.
• Emergency protection orders: These orders are for situations where there was violence or the immediate threat of violence, and a person needs immediate protection. After getting this, a victim can seek a longer protection order.
• Restraining order: This order prohibits a party from doing certain things, and it is often involved in family law disputes. There is not always an element of violence with a restraining order.

When you are being stalked, harassed, emotionally abused, physically harmed or threatened, you do not have to face it alone. It is appropriate for you to seek protection through legal means.

Hope for you and your family

Domestic violence is serious, and you do not have to walk through this difficult time alone. Reaching out to an experienced New Jersey lawyer can ensure you have the support you need to take the appropriate legal steps to get the right type of protection order. If you are unsure of where to begin or you feel unsafe in your current situation, you may want to start by reaching out for an assessment of your case.