One of the most frightening aspects of domestic violence is that it can be rather easy to feel as if you have no one to turn to for support and help; taking any sort of action to escape your abuser may feel impossible without that support. Not only can a domestic violence lawyer help you to get out of such a situation by walking you through your legal options in regards to keeping your abuser at a distance but he or she can help you protect yourself. You are never alone and a professional will help you to keep your rights intact and prove to the judge and the court that you are the victim of violence.
Custody
It may be that you have children with your abuser and this can be a difficult bond to break whether you are the father or mother of the young ones. A domestic violence lawyer in Grand Forks, ND can help you to work through your options to ensure that you receive child custody and then maintain it after the finalization of your divorce. It may be that you end up fighting for custody, through a divorce, and filing charges of domestic abuse all at once and a Grand Forks domestic violence lawyer will help you through it all.
Protection
Your domestic violence lawyer can also help you to get a protective order once it is made clear that you are the victim of assault, battery, stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or any other crimes resulting in physical injury. In an emergency, it is possible for you to receive an emergency, or ex parte, restraining order that will last for 15 days so that you may protect yourself from any imminent danger. A general protection order may also be issued and will remain viable for up to one year.