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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“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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“I would highly recommend Dan for any case related to Family Law.”- Former Client
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“Thank you so much Steve Lane and Lane & Lane firm for the outstanding representation you have given me! I was very impressed with how knowledgeable Steve is and how welcoming and friendly he and his staff is.”- Anastasios
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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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“Best law firm you could ever hope to have on your side!!! Dan Lane is my divorce attorney and he is the best lawyer ever! He has literally won every single battle for me!!! Every time I go into the office everyone is so friendly and amazing!!! Dan’s secretary Victoria is the sweetest person ever! She always keeps me on top of everything!! I couldn’t have found a better lawyer than Dan, not once has he let me down on my entire divorce. Dan truly cares about his clients and every single time I have a concern or worry he calls me or emails me and reassures me even if he’s not in the office!! I honestly wish Dan could be my lawyer for everything I ever need to go to court for because he is a winner and the very best!”- Brittany L.
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“Eric Lane is just awesome! He has been handling my case since my divorce was finalized, which sounds strange - but true. There have been incessant frivolous motions one after another in the courts since my divorce and Eric has been amazing to work with. He not only took care of all the cases and made sure that I was protected, but also offered great advice during the process. Two Thumbs up!!”- Former Client
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“As a local divorce lawyer, I have had a few cases with Lane & Lane. They are honorable attorneys that stand firm for their clients. As a divorce lawyer, you will respect those adversaries who are tough but fair. That perfectly describes this firm. Their clients are lucky to have them. The firm also does a great deal for the local community. They are first-rate and true gentlemen. They also have great staff.”- Carl T.
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“Eric is by far the best lawyer I’ve ever had. He doesn’t rush, takes his time to go through all files, and always has time to talk. It is my first case using him and he is a bull in the courtroom. As well, the law firm is very respectable and they always return calls. Thank you again, Eric. if it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t have my daughter.”- Marcel B.
