Domestic violence charges and protective orders can have a major impact on the lives of those involved, especially if they are in the middle of a family law matter, especially child custody. In family court, child-related decisions are always based on the best interests of a child and, if a parent is facing domestic violence charges or has a protective order against them, it could profoundly affect the outcome of the case.
How it Can Affect Your Family Law Case
Although Virginia law does not keep an abusive parent from visiting their child, a protective order or a history of domestic violence will likely impact visitation rights. If your ex is facing domestic violence charges, for example, a judge would place restrictions on their visitation rights. In more extreme cases, however, such as chronic domestic violence, an abusive parent’s rights may be permanently terminated. If you believe your co-parent is a danger to your children and should not have custody or visitation rights, you can use the domestic violence charges or a protective order to your advantage.
Domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse. It also includes sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and threats of harm against a family member.
Under Virginia law, a family member includes:
- A current or former spouse
- A roommate
- In-laws
- People who lived together within the past year
- People who share a child, even if they do not live together
Family courts take domestic violence very seriously, so if you are experiencing domestic violence in your household, it is crucial to act quickly to protect yourself and your family.
Call Our Law Office Today to Speak to an Experienced Family Lawyer About Your Case!
At The Law Offices of Daniel J Miller, our legal team is backed by more than two decades of experience. You can rely on our attorneys to help you achieve the results you need in your family law case to protect your family. You can rely on us to provide the personalized attention and compassionate advice you need to navigate the complexities of your case.
Reach out to our law office today at (757) 267-4949 to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys to get started on your case and learn more about what we can do for you.
