Columbia Protective Order Attorneys
Domestic violence is never okay, this is why protective orders are set in place. They provide relief and protection to domestic abuse victims and are a legal measure that helps prevent future abuse. If you have suffered from domestic abuse in Columbia, MD and want to protect yourself, contact an experienced family lawyer that will fight for your safety.
Defining Abuse
To get a protective order, you must be able to show proof of abuse. Even though abuse comes in many shapes and sizes, the state of Maryland has its own list of acts that qualify as abuse. Some of those things are:
- An act that causes serious bodily harm
- An act that instills fear of imminent serious bodily harm
- Assault
- Rape/sexual assault
- Stalking
- False Imprisonment
Eligibility for a Protective Order
In addition to encountering any of the qualified acts of abuse, there are certain criteria that make you eligible for a protective order. Under Maryland law, to be eligible for a protective you must either be:
- A current or former spouse of the abuser
- A cohabitant of the abuser
- Related (by blood, marriage, or adoption) to the abuser
- A vulnerable adult
- A person who shares a child with the abuser
What Can a Protective Order Do?
There are many things that a protective order can do to help you get out of domestic abuse. With a protective order, a judge can order your abuser to:
- Stop abusing you
- Stay away from you
- Leave and stay out of the house
In addition to those things, a protective order may also grant you temporary custody of any shared children you have with the abuser as well as temporary possession of any pet.
Looking to File a Protective Order in Columbia, MD?
If you are suffering from domestic abuse and want to stop it from occurring, the first thing you need to do is file a protective order. The team of Albers & Associates lawyers will help guide you through the process. No one should have to handle abuse on their own, that is why our family lawyers do our best to guide you through the emotional process and give you the emotional support that you need.
Contact us today for your free consultation so you can take back your life.