Domestic Violence Protection Orders
If you are facing a divorce and you are afraid of domestic violence or abuse towards you or your children, you should talk to an attorney about protection orders immediately.
If you or your children are in immediate or life-threatening danger, call 911.
The lawyers at McKinley Irvin have years of experience in family law cases where domestic violence or threats of violence require the entry of protection orders.
What is a Protection Order?
A Vancouver WA protection order, also called a Domestic Violence Order of Protection, is a court order that prohibits a person (the defendant or perpetrator) from making contact with and from coming within a specified distance of you and/or your children (the named protected persons). Breaking the terms of a protection order is a criminal offense and means mandatory arrest for the person violating the order.
How do I get a protection order in Clark County?
To obtain a Washington State protection order, you must file a summons and petition the court for a Domestic Violence Order of Protection. The court will find whether or not reason exists to issue a temporary order for protection. A temporary order lasts 14 days. The Clark County sheriff's office will attempt to serve the defendant (the alleged abuser) with the temporary protection order. Both parties are then required to appear at a hearing, where each side will present testimony and evidence. The court will then decide whether to continue the order of protection for a full year.
A Vancouver WA family law lawyer with experience in domestic violence matters can guide you through this process and help you get the protection you require.
If you are not sure if you want to contact an attorney, or cannot afford one, but would like to seek help, there are resources available for you.
- Washington State Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-562-6025
- Clark County YWCA 24-hour Crisis Hotline (accepts collect calls): 360-695-0501
What if I am being accused of domestic violence unjustly?
If someone serves you with a Domestic Violence Order of Protection and you feel the accusations are false, you should seek qualified legal representation from a domestic violence lawyer to help you defend yourself and protect your rights. If you are in the process of a divorce, you should seek a Vancouver WA divorce attorney with experience in domestic violence defense.
McKinley Irvin is a full-service law firm focused exclusively on the practice of family law. For over 20 years, our accomplished lawyers have effectively resolved family law and divorce matters for our clients in Washington and Oregon.
Contact our Vancouver WA family law office at 360-836-1136 to consult with a McKinley Irvin lawyer regarding your family law matter.
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