Seattle Domestic Violence Attorneys

Washington Restraining Orders

Washington restraining orders were created to keep domestic violence victims safe.  The laws associated with restraining orders are designed to make it more difficult for the victims to be harmed further by their former abusers.  Both temporary and long-term restraining orders exist and it will be up to the judge to determine which type will be necessary for your situation.  Your living arrangements with the abuser, the extent of the domestic violence that was committed, and the overall severity of your situation will be evaluated to determine whether a temporary restraining order or a long-term restraining order is necessary.  If you are thinking about filing a restraining order against someone who has formerly committed domestic violence against you, or if a restraining order has been placed against you, a Seattle Domestic Violence Lawyer from our firm can help you.

Obtaining a Restraining Order

There are multiple steps to acquiring a restraining order in Seattle and our family lawyers can guide you through the process.  First, a restraining order complaint form will need to be completed in response to an incident of domestic violence.  Your domestic violence attorney can help you fill out the necessary paper work and can make sure it is returned to the proper location.  Once the need for a restraining order has been established, a temporary restraining order will be implemented to protect you until a formal hearing can be scheduled and held to decide whether a temporary or long-term restraining order is more appropriate for the specific situation.   

Fighting Against Restraining Orders

If someone is attempting to have a restraining order placed against you, you will need the help of a Seattle domestic violence lawyer.  If a restraining order is successfully filed, many aspects of your daily existence could be negatively affected.  If you live with the person who filed the restraining order, you may be forced to move out of your residence and cease all contact with that person.  If children are involved, your relationship with them may also suffer because a restraining order may restrict your contact with them as well.  Considering the many aspects of your life that could be affected, it is best to speak with a Seattle family attorney who will aggressively fight the restraining order and prove how unnecessary it is. 

Contact a Seattle Domestic Violence Attorney today!