Somerset County Domestic Violence Lawyer
Defining Domestic Violence Laws in New Jersey
Various criminal behaviors constitute domestic violence if they are committed against a close family member or a person the aggressor lives with.
The following people can be charged with domestic violence in New Jersey:
- A spouse or former spouse
- A member of the same household, either currently or ever in the past
- A boyfriend, girlfriend, or former boyfriend/girlfriend
- The other parent of your child
If any of these people has ever harassed, stalked, assaulted, threatened, criminally restrained, kidnapped, or forced unwanted sexual contact on you, or trespassed or broken into your home, you have a basis for a domestic violence charge and for filing for an order of protection.
We are also able to provide legal defense for false allegations of abuse. If you need legal help for domestic violence, call (908) 259-6673 to request a consultation.
How to Recognize Signs of Domestic Violence
Spotting the signs of an abusive individual may prove challenging, as the level of danger may start out relatively low.
At first, a person may slowly try to alienate the other party from his or her friends and family, which could be a sign of an attempt to gain control. While this can be harmful enough on its own, the intentions of the abusive party may worsen with time, potentially leading to threats of violence and, in some cases, to acts of physical abuse.
By the time a person becomes aware of these abusive tendencies, he or she may feel stuck in the relationship or even fear that leaving will bring about disastrous consequences. The abusive party may also seek to draw them back in by offering apologies and gifts, but these offerings don’t necessarily come with a guarantee the behavior will cease.
While studies suggest that the period shortly after leaving an abusive partner can be dangerous, staying with someone out of fear of the consequences could be much more harmful in the long run.
Restraining Orders in Somerset County
A restraining order is a civil protection order that the court issues to keep an abuser away from a victim of domestic violence — this may include the home, workplace and more. The abuse may include verbal, physical and mental or psychological abuse.
Depending on what the judge specifies on a restraining order, a domestic violence victim can obtain several levels of protection:
- Contact in any manner — by phone, in person, at work, home or anywhere else — may be forbidden.
- The court can require the abuser to vacate the residence, even if it is in his or her name.
- The abuser may be ordered to pay expenses related to domestic violence such as medical costs, lost income and more.
- The judge may also remove the children from the presence of such a person.
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“Dan was very understanding and helpful through the divorce process. He respected my suggestions and always gave very good advice throughout the whole process. He worked well with opposing counsel and just helped the whole process move smoothly. This was not a process I wanted, yet I was able to count on him for sound and very professional advice. There was never any pressure for me to do anything I did not want to do. I am thankful I chose Lane and Lane.”- Tom H.
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“I have been in a custody battle since my daughter was 3 years old. Multiple attorneys and honestly no one has been more competent as Steven Lane. He is always in contact and has been so knowledgeable. He honestly put me at peace in a very difficult time. He is very versed in his profession and honestly I wish I had met him years prior, I actually started to get proper justice when I hired him. He is understanding and caring as well as his staff has phenomenal character. I couldn't recommend this attorney enough.”- Lysette
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“- Adam
Dan and his staff were amazing. Truthful and helpful throughout the whole process.
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“He guided me through the process and settled my nerves when I was apprehensive. He has my best interests and made sure I was protected. He really knew his business and I am so happy that I selected him to represent me. He made himself available to me almos”- Myria T.
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“Dan and his staff did a great job handling my divorce. Due to COVID, my previous attorney bailed on me and Dan was able to take over my case and bring it to closure. He was very professional and supportive throughout the entire process. Dan always responds promptly and I highly recommend him and his staff.”- Former Client
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“Met with Dan on a project. I also had discussions with one of the largest firms in the state and after both meetings, what I recognized is that the larger firms just take cookie-cutter documents and don’t take the time to listen to a client's needs. Dan took the time to educate me on what the project required and how to complete it. He listened and educated, versus the other firm just asking what do you need (note I had no idea where to begin on the document) and then talking at you like a number. I highly recommend Dan.”- David M.
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“I worked with Steven Lane and personally he is like family now. An amazing attorney I worked with him two years ago and haven’t stopped. He is emotionally invested but also emotionally removed enough to tell you what he thinks would be better. I have called him at very inconvenient hours in distress and he has been responsive and takes immediate action. Grateful for him & he also has an amazing team very polite and courteous.”- Lysette P.
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“I have personally worked with Eric Lane on numerous occasions for transaction insight and due diligence purposes while reviewing new opportunities for my business. His service was always extremely professional, helpful and prompt. Eric was able to give me valuable knowledge while helping to negotiate leases for new potential locations, as well as finding out information about the local township and regulations that would affect my business decisions; making me aware of things I wasn't and helping me to better understand things that I wasn't very familiar with. Whether a new business starting out or an established company looking to grow, I would highly recommend his services. I look forward to continuing to seek Eric's opinion and professional services in the future.”- Michael L.
