Lafayette Protective Order Attorney
Protective orders allow victims of abuse and violence to legally protect themselves and create criminal consequences for violations of the order. Unfortunately, taking this step isn’t always easy, and you may be unsure whether the process is worth it. When you work with a Lafayette protective order lawyer, they can help you understand what options you have for protecting yourself and advocate for the legal protections you deserve.
Effective and Clear-Cut Legal Advice
If you believe you need to take steps through the court to protect yourself, The Thompson Law Office, LLC can help. We bring you compassionate yet aggressive support, fighting for the legal protections you need. Our firm understands how difficult it can be to navigate this process, legally and emotionally. We have decades of collective family law legal experience and can help you file with the 15th Judicial District Court at 800 S. Buchanan Street.
Domestic violence impacts many families and can change the family dynamic forever. In 2019, the FBI reported 1,369 arrests for offenses against the family and children in Louisiana. From 2020 to 2022, there were 181 deaths from intimate partner violence according to the Louisiana Violent Death Reporting System. It is important that you take the crucial steps to protect yourself and your family.
Getting a Protective Order
Protective order cases are filed in instances of domestic abuse, stalking, sexual assault, and other types of abuse. When a protective order is placed, it sets certain limitations for what the abuser can do and where they can go. If the abuser violates the order, they can be criminally charged.
The function of a protective order depends on the reason for the order and the specifics of your situation. Through Lafayette protective order laws, the court could impose certain terms in the order, such as:
- Requiring the abuser to refrain from abuse or harassment aimed at you, or interference in your life and employment
- Requiring the abuser to avoid your home or place of employment
- Awarding you the use of property that is jointly owned, like a car
- Providing you with your home or residence and evicting the abuser from the premises in certain situations
- Preventing you or your abuser from taking steps to dispose of property that is mutually owned
- Providing you with temporary custody of your minor children
- Providing you with exclusive care of pets that belong to you or your minor children
- Awarding you full possession of your separate and personal property
These protections can also extend to your minor children, or any person you are filing the petition on behalf of who cannot file themselves.
Types of Protective Orders
When seeking a protective order, you have the option to first seek an emergency temporary protective order or a temporary protective order. A protective order attorney can help with both.
An emergency temporary order provides instant protection when the court is closed and you cannot file for a temporary order, but are in immediate danger.
A temporary protective order can be filed once the court is open, and you can file for a long-term order hearing. This protective order can provide protection until the hearing if the court deems it necessary.
A long-term protective order hearing is where the court will make a final decision about the protective order and how long it will last.
Hire a Protective Order Lawyer in Lafayette
Let The Thompson Law Office, LLC, help you get the protection you deserve. Contact our office today and see what we can do for you.
