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| 11271 Ventura Blvd. |
| Suite 473 |
| Studio City, CA 91604 |
| Phone: 877-479-7970 |
| Fax: 888-509-8864 |
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| Warner Center Towers |
| Phone: 877-479-7970 |
| Fax: 888-509-8864 |
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| Watt Plaza |
| Phone: 877-479-7970 |
| Fax: 888-509-8864 |
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| Fashion Island |
| Phone: 877-479-7970 |
| Fax: 888-509-8864 |
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Domestic Violence
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Domestic violence is a very serious issue that lacks any certain definition. However, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, defines domestic violence as "a dynamic between parents whereby one partner seeks to control the other through the use of abusive patterns of behavior that operate at a variety of levels of emotional, psychological, and physical." The Council acknowledges that "the presence of this abusive dynamic will always be relevant to the question of what custody or visitation arrangement will serve the best interests of any children shared by the adult parties." The term applies to spouses, domestic partners, parents and children, siblings, and dating relationships.
Our firm understands the need to thoroughly assess domestic violence cases. The long-term consequences of domestic abuse are devastating, and family members need protection, counseling, and concrete help to change the situation. On the other hand, false accusations arising out of a rancorous divorce, for instance, result in burdensome consequences that are unfair to the accused and to children. To learn how we can help in any family violence matter, contact one of our attorneys at The Law Offices of Thomas & Associates.
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At our law firm, we help victims request temporary restraining orders (TRO) after a domestic abuse incident. We also seek to remove restraining orders in cases where they have been unfairly imposed and have implications for employment or for the right to carry a firearm.
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We are committed to protecting our clients and their children from domestic violence, and to protecting our clients against false accusations. We understand that these are extremely sensitive issues, and we handle every case with dignity and respect, and with complete confidentiality.
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If you or anyone in your family has been a victim of any form of domestic violence, you need immediate protection, and you need the skilled legal representation that our family law firm provides. If you believe that a restraining order has been unfairly imposed on you, we can help.
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Defending California Domestic Violence Charges
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If charges of domestic violence have been filed, The Law Offices of Thomas & Associates evaluate our client's circumstances and work to place them in the best position to resolve the case. This sometimes means showing the judge, jury, or prosecutor that my client is getting treatment, such as:
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Also see other divorce-releated topics:
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- Successful completion of a batterers' treatment program
- Successful completion of a drug or alcohol program
- Successful completion of a parenting class
- Successful completion of the terms and conditions of probation or parole
- Compliance with the terms of any protective order or restraining order
- Evidence that the parent has not committed any further acts of domestic violence
- Marriage counseling
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Domestic Violence and Child Custody
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California is a no-fault state for dissolution of marriage. However, evidence of domestic violence in a marriage can play a major role in decisions regarding child custody, visitation and support.
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[Read More]
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Allegations of family violence are often complex. Whether you face mere allegations or domestic violence charges, it is important that you consult with an experienced attorney immediately. Contact us at 877-479-7970, or e-mail us at info@law-thomas.com, to arrange for a confidential complimentary consultation.
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Q: What kind of behavior is considered domestic violence?
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A: Domestic violence can take a number of forms, including:
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- physical behavior (slapping, punching, pulling hair or shoving);
- forced or coerced sexual acts or behavior (unwanted fondling or intercourse, or sexual jokes and insults)
- threats (threatening to hit, harm or use a weapon);
- psychological abuse (attacks on self-esteem, attempts to control or limit another person's behavior, repeated insults or interrogation);
- stalking (following a person, appearing at a person's home or workplace, making repeated phone calls or leaving written messages); or
- cyberstalking (repeated online action or email that causes substantial emotional distress).
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Q: If I leave, how can I make sure the abuser won't come near me again?
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A: The most powerful legal tool for stopping domestic violence is the temporary restraining order (TRO). A TRO is a decree issued by a court that requires the perpetrator to stop abusing you. The order may require, for example, that the perpetrator stay away from the family home, where you work or go to school, your children's school and other places you frequent (such as a particular church). The order will also prohibit further acts of violence. Many states make it relatively easy for you to obtain a TRO. In California, the court clerk will hand you a packet of forms and will even help you fill them out. When you've completed your forms, you'll go before a judge to show evidence of the abuse, such as hospital or police records. Sometimes judges are often available to issue TROs after normal business hours.
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[More]
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 California Department of Health Services (CDHS)
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The CDHS Family Violence Referral Directory lists resources by county, including shelters/domestic violence programs, counseling services for victims, crisis hotlines, services for defendants, and legal service providers.
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Can the Law Help Protect Me From Domestic Violence?
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A State Bar of California pamphlet.
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[More]
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