FAMILY VIOLENCE & RESTRAINING ORDERS
When respectful relationships between partners deteriorate, and one person inflicts harm on the other through threats, harassment, intimidation, or other acts intended to create fear, the courts can provide a Protection Order. The use of threats, even in circumstances where other prior acts of violence are missing, are considered "violence" in the emotionally charged climate of family break-down.
A finding of family violence can greatly impact a court's decision around parenting arrangements and how to allocate parental responsibilities for children. A court may restrict the person found responsible for family violence to supervised parenting time or limited responsibilities.
On occasion, a spouse will falsely accuse the other partner of family violence, in an attempt to control parenting time or property. Such strategies frequently catch the children in the middle of a toxic family breakup. Child alienation may occur.
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Allegations of violence and child alienation are tough and difficult legal situations, which often escalate to expensive and drawn-out legal battles. Get help and advice immediately.