In the sixteen years that I was a Wake County District Judge and District Attorney, I’d often be asked how to get a restraining order. The answer is relatively simple – the North Carolina General Assembly passed a law that...more
Once an abused party decides that they are in need of a Protection From Abuse Order (“PFA Order”), the first step is filing the Petition....more
A jury awarded Johnny Depp $15 million in damages in a defamation suit against Amber Heard, who had alleged domestic abuse against him in an op-ed. Donald Trump was ordered to pay over $80 million in a defamation suit brought...more
Domestic violence is a dangerous reality for many Pennsylvania residents. Outside of criminal court, relief from domestic violence can be obtained by requesting a Protection From Abuse Order (“PFA”). The PFA is a civil remedy...more
Attorneys who do not practice Family Law often come into contact with clients who have an issue of domestic violence including sexual assault. This webinar will provide the basics of the NJ Prevention of Domestic Violence...more
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, but unfortunately abuse can happen anywhere at any time. In Virginia, victims of abuse have the option to seek a protective order, but not all protective orders (there...more
The recent opinion of the North Carolina Court of Appeals in M.E. v. T.J., No. COA18-1045 has more twists than a Chubby Checker look-alike contest. The opinion is long and the facts and procedure are somewhat convoluted, but...more
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. During the pandemic domestic violence victims may be finding it harder to find resources or seek out help. Victims may be less likely to get a break from the abuse of their...more
In order to obtain a Domestic Violence Protective Order (commonly referred to as a "DVPO"), you must first file a Complaint and Motion for DVPO. Any person may file an action for a DVPO and proceed pro se, or without the...more
If you are a victim of abuse, please do not hesitate to seek immediate help from qualified professionals. If you have been accused of committing abuse against someone, you should contact an experienced lawyer....more
In a recent decision approved for publication, the New Jersey Appellate Division reversed a trial court’s findings that the Sexual Assault Survivor Protection Act, N.J.S.A. 2C:14-13 to -21 (SASPA), could afford protection to...more
During October, which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, recent posts on Family Matters have explored aspects protection from abuse orders in Pennsylvania. Like Pennsylvania, Delaware can issue civil protection from abuse...more
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence can affect anybody. It knows no race, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic class. ...more
The recent murder-suicide in Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania, of Stacey Pennington, a Mount Gretna business owner, and her ex-boyfriend, Patrick Lynn Derr, who she had obtained a Protection from Abuse Order (PFA) against last...more