Family Violence

Sometimes when parties are involved in domestic litigation, safety can become a concern. Emotions can run high, and unfortunately, individuals sometimes take regrettable actions that may harm one or more of their family members. In certain cases, it is appropriate to pursue the court’s protection from family violence.

The attorneys at Boyd Collar Nolen Tuggle & Roddenbery have extensive experience pursuing, and in certain circumstances defending, family violence actions. Upon the filing of a verified petition alleging that an act of family violence has occurred in the past and is likely to occur in the future, the court is authorized to enter a temporary protective order. The temporary protective order can provide relief, including but not limited to restraining the offending party from committing future acts of family violence or otherwise harassing or interfering with the petitioner, granting the petitioner exclusive use and possession of the family residence or requiring the offending party to provide alternate housing to the petitioner and children, awarding temporary custody to the petitioner, and awarding temporary financial support to the petitioner. If the court finds that a family violence petition is supported by evidence, a temporary protective order is immediately entered and a hearing scheduled (usually within 10 days) to determine whether the protective order should be extended or modified.