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A Guide to Restraining Orders in California

Navigating the complexities of restraining orders can be a challenging and overwhelming process, especially when dealing with issues of safety and protection. In California, restraining orders are legal tools designed to provide individuals with protection from harassment, abuse, or threats from another party. Understanding the different types of restraining orders available and the legal procedures involved is crucial for those seeking legal protection in times of distress. In this blog post, we will provide a comprehensive guide to restraining orders in California to help shed light on this important legal aspect.

The Different Types of Restraining Orders

In California, there are various types of restraining orders, each serving specific purposes and providing different levels of protection. Understanding the nuances of these different types of restraining orders and their legal requirements is essential for victims.

  1. Domestic Violence: This restraining order is sought by an individual who has been subjected to abuse, threats, or harassment by a current or former intimate partner or family member. It aims to protect victims of domestic violence and their children from further harm, requiring the abuser to stay away from the victim and cease all forms of contact.
  2. Civil Harassment: This restraining order is used in cases where an individual is being harassed, stalked, or abused by someone who is not related to them. It provides protection against non-intimate partners, neighbors, acquaintances, or strangers who pose a threat to the victim’s safety or well-being.
  3. Elder Abuse: This is designed to protect elderly individuals (65 or older) or dependent adults from abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or any form of mistreatment. It is crucial in safeguarding vulnerable older adults from harm and ensuring their safety and well-being.
  4. Workplace Violence: This restraining order is sought in cases where an individual poses a threat or danger to others in a work environment. It protects employees, employers, or other personnel from potential acts of violence, harassment, or intimidation in the workplace.
  5. Gun Violence: A gun violence restraining order is issued when law enforcement has reason to believe that an individual poses a risk of harming themselves or others with a firearm. This legal measure restricts the individual from purchasing or possessing a gun for a specified period. However, it does not have the authority to mandate the individual to stay away from someone.
  6. School Violence: This restraining order protects students, teachers, or school staff from threats, harassment, or violence within an educational setting.

Related: “4 Benefits of Getting a Restraining Order”

Conclusion

When faced with the need for a restraining order in California, it is crucial to seek legal guidance and support from experienced professionals who can navigate the legal system effectively. At Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates in Lake Forest, CA, our team of dedicated attorneys specializes in family law matters, including restraining orders and legal protections. Visit our website at richardeyoungattorney.net or call us at (949) 951-9529 to schedule a consultation and explore your legal options. Let us help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of obtaining the legal protection you need.

How to Deal With an Ex-Spouse Harassment

The relationship between ex-spouses is tricky and often hard to manage. While some are ready to move on from past relationships, others are so mired in anger and other negative feelings that they can’t let go, especially during a divorce. The law knows this and offers some ways of legally dealing with harassment if your ex-partner keeps harassing or intimidating you. The following are some ways to help you deal with this.

What is Harassment?

Harassment is any unwanted behavior that can cause physical and mental damage. Harassment comes in many forms, from verbal abuse to stalking to physical abuse. These are all harassment as per Californian harassment laws. If you are a victim of harassment, contact the police or your domestic violence attorney to decide what actions you may be able to take.

Should You Retaliate?

The first step in dealing with a harassing ex-spouse is to always take the high road and never get back at them. This will just make things worse, and you might even share culpability with them if the problem reaches the court. Instead, document the harassment and get a restraining order to avoid any arguments or discussions that could escalate the situation.

Related: Learn more about the benefits of getting a restraining order here.

Empower Yourself with Options

If your ex-spouse’s harassment continues and the restraining order doesn’t do the trick, go for other options. As additional protection, inform some trusted friends about the situation and seek legal assistance if your ex-partner is still trying to bait you into an interaction. Legal action can provide you with legal protection from further harassment and ensure that your ex-spouse faces legal consequences for their behavior.

Related: learn more about how and when to file a complaint for domestic violence here.

Reach Out To Local Support and Resources

Dealing with a harassing ex-spouse is indeed a troubling time, but it doesn’t mean it’s impossible to remain emotionally safe. You can reach out to a support group for people who are going through a divorce, as they can offer you practical advice and emotional support. Many local resources can be found here.

Rely on Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates

Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates has a history of helping clients protect themselves through harassment cases. We are well-versed in domestic violence laws and will get your rights back by any means. Contact our law firm today at (949) 951-9529 or visit our website for more information.

4 Benefits of Getting a Restraining Order

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Certain events in life can be traumatizing for people, like abuse, being stalked and threatened, or personal property damage. For events such as this, the victim can file a restraining order against the abuser. The law will ensure that the perpetrator does not come into contact with the victim by any means, not even calls or texts. Any sort of contact initiated by the perpetrator is seen as a violation of the law and they can be fined and sent to jail depending on the severity of the transgression. The following are four benefits of getting a restraining order if you feel unsafe with someone.

  • You can request a restraining order for free through a civil court.  

Courts are quick to give out restraining orders under valid terms and conditions. One can request a restraining order against someone who has been abusing or threatening him or her. It is free of charge and can be approved in a day at most to take effect.

  • A restraining order will prevent the abuser from coming to your workplace.

Having the thought that you are unsafe at your workplace is quite distressing. A restraining order stops your abuser from coming to your workplace. To make yourself secure, obtain a restraining order and work in peace knowing that you are protected by the law against a certain person.

  • A restraining order shuts down all means of contact for the perpetrator.

With a restraining order, you are not only safe from their in-person presence, but they cannot reach you online on any platform, neither calls nor texts or emails. The court goes above and beyond with its restrictions on mail as well.

  • You are entitled to keep your personal information private.

If you think that a restraining order might reveal your new address or other personal information to the perpetrator, you can easily opt for your information to be kept private. This way, you and your personal whereabouts are safe.

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Conclusion

 The paperwork and procedures of the restraining order might look complicated but with the help of a lawyer, you can file for one. You deserve to have justice and feel safe. Whether you have been a victim of stalking or unjustly accused of breaking a restraining order, Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates can fight for you. Our services include family law, trust law, bankruptcy law, and more. Give us a call at (949) 951-9529 to schedule an appointment with us. Visit our website for more information.   

How to Get Your Restraining Order

The night was still young as Chelsea started walking back from her friend’s house. The crisp breeze pinched her skin as she paced through the dimly lit neighborhood. Chelsea confidently strolled to her home, knowing she did this all the time. Looking at the familiar street sign, she casually crossed the street to her loving home. Oblivious to her surroundings, a boy from her school was following her every move. Before she could step into her house, he approached her. Chelsea started to shudder with fear because this was the fifth time he did this at night. Immediately, she rushed inside her home before he could say anything to her. Hearing the door slam, Chelsea’s parents ran toward their beloved daughter. Her eyes spilled out with tears while she tried to explain what’s been happening to her. Chelsea’s parents knew the step was to get a restraining order.

What is a Restraining Order?

            A court of law provides restraining orders to keep two people apart. Whatever the motives behind them, a violation of a restraining order carries large criminal consequences. Even if the perpetrator is calling or texting the victim, this can be a misdemeanor. The perpetrator can have possible jail time and a costly fine of $1000 for violating the court order. The penalty can increase to $2000 if an injury occurs. Besides, the most jail time for a violation is mandatory thirty days. Consistent violations result in a felony or misdemeanor. Depending on the severity and time between violations, fines and jail time can intensify for a perpetrator.

Prosecution

To be convicted of a violation, the court needs to see three things. The first thing is that the restraining order had to be intentionally broken. If the order was broke accidentally, there could not be any conviction. The other factor is if the perpetrator knew that they had a restraining order against them. In some circumstances, the court can order a restraining order without the perpetrator even knowing it. Lastly, if the perpetrator lives close by or works at the same place as the victim, then the court order will be impossible to obey and not be granted conviction.

Conclusion

A restraining order can seem complicated but can help people like Chelsea. Restraining orders are an excellent way to protect you and your family. Yet, it is also good to know how to be prosecuted for violating a court order. You deserve to have justice and feel safe. Whether you have been a victim of stalking or unjustly accused of breaking a restraining order, Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates can fight for you. Our services include family law, trust law, bankruptcy law, and more. Visit our website for more information.

Child Custody and Visitation Laws in California

Whether you have been divorced or separated from your partner, child custody can become a pressing issue. The responsibilities and rights parents have over their children must be negotiated, in or out of court. These cases tend to make it into the courts because of the importance people place on their children, and the tense emotions involved. To learn about the specifics of California child custody and visitation laws, continue reading our blog post.

Types of Custody

There are two difference types of child custody: legal and physical. Legal custody refers to the parent who makes significant choices for their children, in regards to medical, education, travel, or overall welfare. Typically, legal custody is either shared between both parents or given to simply one. The second type, physical custody, refers to the parent(s) your children live with. Typically, the parents decide on joint physical custody or one might request primary responsibilities, which means the other parent has only visitation rights. It is difficult for a child to spend half their time with one parent and half with another, so the time is usually imbalanced.

Judge’s Priorities

Parental custody is decided based on what the judge believes is in the child’s best interests. When deciding on custody, courts will look at the child’s age, health, bonds with their parents and communities, their parents’ ability to care for them, and family history of violence or drug use. Child support is also determined based on the amount of time the children are with each parent. When a court believes both parents are unable to care for their children, they will look into guardianship so the child lives safely.

How to Get a Court Order

The majority of parents can come to an agreement without needing a court order, but if either parent isn’t holding up their end of the deal, the court can enforce a court order. The court can only enforce an agreement if they have a signed court order. The agreement’s terms can be enforced if you turn in a copy to the judge. The judge can sign the deal if both parties agree. If consensus cannot be reached, a judge will send both parents to a mediator, and if this still doesn’t work, the judge will decide the custody and visitation times on their own. A judge can also appoint a custody evaluator to make a recommendation based on their professional opinions.

Conclusion

Establishing a child custody deal can be overwhelming, but with this information, you have a guide of what to expect every step of the way. To get in contact with a professional child custody attorney, make sure you hire us at Family Law Richard E. Young & Associates, where we are dedicated to excellence.

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