Tag Archive for: restraining orders

Same-Sex Domestic Violence: How To Get Help

same-sex domestic violenceBecause domestic violence has been traditionally viewed as something that happens only to heterosexual women, instances of same-sex domestic violence (DV) or intimate partner violence (IPV) in the LGBT community are often overlooked. People assume it just doesn’t happen.

But it does.

As reports consistently show, at least one out of four people in same-sex relationships will experience domestic violence during their lifetime, mirroring rates among heterosexual couples. Sadly, LGBT victims are frequently reluctant to go the police, often because of perceived stigma or fear that help for same-sex couples is not readily available.

It’s time to dispel the myths surrounding same-sex DV. Let’s look an all-too-common DV scenario involving a LGBT couple and explore how the victim in this situation can reach out for needed help and protection. Read more

Domestic Violence Charges Dropped Against NJ Celebrity Constantine Maroulis

domestic violenceA local news story that many have asked us about this week involves the domestic violence charges, now dropped, against former American Idol singer and Bergen County resident, Constantine Maroulis. We would like to preface our comments by noting the sensitivity of any discussion that involves domestic violence. The charges against Mr. Maroulis have been dismissed. Still, the nature of the original incident and claims of abuse by both spouses (aka, “mutual abuse”) brings up interesting points that may be beneficial for others seeking help with domestic violence issues. Read more

Bari Weinberger Featured Speaker at Upcoming NJ Domestic Violence Seminar

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and as part of Weinberger Divorce & Family Law Group, LLC’s ongoing commitment and mission to serve victims of domestic violence in New Jersey, we are pleased to announce that family law attorney Bari Weinberger will be part of an upcoming domestic violence symposium and fundraiser for Shelter our Sisters, New Jersey’s leading full-service agency for victims of domestic violence and the only agency in Bergen County that provides emergency shelter. Read more

NJ SAFE Act for Domestic Violence Work Leave Goes Into Effect Today

On October 1, 2013, the New Jersey Security and Financial Empowerment Act (NJ SAFE Act) goes into effect across the state. The new law provides workplace leave to eligible employees who are victims of domestic violence or sexual assault as defined under New Jersey law. The NJ SAFE Act applies to workplaces employing 25 or more people and covers unpaid leave of absence for a period not to exceed 20 days in a 12-month period. Read more

Patrick Stewart’s Strong Words About Domestic Violence

You may already be a fan of Patrick Stewart, the actor who played Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the TV and film versions of Star Trek II, but if you have any interest at all in the issue of ending domestic violence, get ready to fall in love all over again. Read more

NJ Court Rules: Pregnant Victims of Domestic Violence Can Seek Restraining Orders for Unborn Children

In an important new ruling handed down last week by a Superior Court judge in Ocean County, pregnant women threatened with domestic violence can file for restraining orders to protect their unborn children. Read more

Chad Johnson Refuses to Sign Divorce Papers: Can This Really Halt the Divorce Process?

NFL Pro-bowler Chad Johnson isn’t willing to let go of his marriage to estranged wife Evelyn Lozada, even though the Basketball Wives star recently served him with divorce papers. According to TMZ, Johnson (formerly known as Chad Ochocinco) has reportedly vowed not to participate in any divorce proceedings or sign divorce papers in the hopes he can still win back Lozada. Read more

Who Gets the Apartment? What Happens in a Divorce When You Lease or Rent

Maria and Shane had leased their Jersey City apartment for three years when the couple decided to get a divorce. Shane moved in with his brother while he looked for a new place to rent. Maria remained in the apartment and over the next few weeks, had the building superintendent change the locks and paid the rent herself on the first of the month. Read more

Domestic Violence & Restraining Orders: What to Worry About With the New Jersey Process

The horrifying case of a New Jersey women stabbed 27 times by her ex-boyfriend who ignored a restraining order is a powerful reminder of how important it is for every victim of domestic violence to be backed up by the legal system. In our work with clients affected by domestic violence, we know that understanding the process of obtaining a restraining order and what is needed to make a TRO (temporary restraining order) permanent and “final” are critical steps to staying safe.

If you are preparing to file for an order of protection, we offer (below) further tips and helpful information that you can use along with the more in-depth information we have put together on How to File Forms & Find Help with The Restraining Order Process in a Domestic Violence Case. You will also find visual aides, worksheets and PDFs to print out to help you with getting a restraining order in a domestic violence situation and the legal process it entails in New Jersey:
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You’ve Been Falsely Accused. Now What?

domestic violence in marriageNobody wants a messy divorce, but sometimes spouses fight dirty. It’s not unusual for false accusations of domestic violence, child abuse, or sexual abuse to be made at some point in the process. If such an accusation is made against you, make no mistake: it’s not a joke. You must defend yourself vigorously against it. The fallout from the accusation could be steep — it could cost you your children, your home, your job, and even have the potential for jail time. It’s important to take it seriously. Read more