Inland Empire Domestic Violence Lawyers Since 1997

As the leading cause of injury to U.S. women between the ages of 14 and 45, domestic violence is a troubling problem nationwide. According to a U.S. Department of Justice study of domestic violence, domestic assault accounts for more than 20% of all violent crime. The majority of domestic violence incidents occur against women (76%), and it most commonly comes from a current or former intimate partner.

At The Law Office of Soheila Azizi & Associates, P.C., we vigorously protect victims of domestic abuse. Your safety is our top priority, and we will pursue every legal avenue to ensure you and your children are free from the threat of domestic violence and abuse.

What Do You Need To Know About Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence in and of itself is traumatic and heartbreaking, but even more so when you consider the long-lasting effects of abuse. Children who live in homes plagued by domestic violence are twice as likely to suffer abuse or neglect (30% versus 60%). Domestic violence is the third-leading cause of homelessness among families, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and at least one-third of the families in New York City’s family shelter system are homeless due to domestic violence.

Approximately one in four women will experience domestic violence during her lifetime – but the problem is not confined to gender. Nearly three million men suffer physical assaults by an intimate partner every year in the U.S., and since the majority of domestic violence incidents go unreported, the true number could be much higher.

If you are a victim of domestic assault or have been wrongfully accused of domestic violence, we are here to help you. The experienced family law attorneys at The Law Office of Soheila Azizi & Associates, P.C., provide a full range of family law services, including applying for and defending restraining orders, enforcing protective orders and helping victims keep their families safe.

The Role Of Protective Orders

A protective order, commonly known as a restraining order, is a court-issued document that works to protect someone from physical abuse, sexual abuse, stalking, threats or harassment. These orders are a legal way to keep someone from coming within a certain distance of you, force an abuser to move out of a shared home or keep someone from engaging in certain conduct.

Victims of domestic violence can pursue a domestic violence restraining order. This specific type of protective order is appropriate if someone you have a “close relationship” with has abused you or threatened to abuse you. (Keep in mind that this abuse does not have to be physical in order to qualify as domestic abuse; verbal abuse and threats also count as domestic violence for the purpose of this protective order.) This “close relationship” requirement applies to people who are married or registered domestic partners; divorced or separated; dating or used to date; living together or used to live together (as more than roommates); parents together of a child; or closely related such as a parent, child, brother, sister, grandmother, grandfather or in-law. You can also file a restraining order on behalf of your child if she or he is being abused.

Depending on the circumstances, a restraining order can include various provisions about where the restrained person may go, what he or she is permitted to do, and where he or she may live (or, in most cases, may not live). A domestic violence restraining order can order the abuser to:

• Not contact or go near you, your children, other relatives or others who live with you
• Stay away from your home, work or your children’s schools
• Move out of your house (even if you live together)
• Not have a gun
• Follow child custody and visitation orders
• Pay child support
• Pay spousal or partner support (if you are married or in a domestic partnership)
• Stay away from any of your pets
• Pay certain bills
• Not make any changes to insurance policies
• Not incur large expenses or do anything significant regarding your property if you are married or in a domestic partnership
• Release or return certain property.

There are many types of orders that serve different functions. For example:

• Emergency protective order: A type of restraining order that starts right away and lasts up to one week, allowing the victim enough time away from the abuser to file a longer lasting type of restraining order. This type of order can only be obtained by having a law enforcement official (typically responding to a domestic violence call or other instance of abuse) call a judge.
• Temporary restraining order: A type of restraining order that lasts until the court hearing date, typically between 20 and 25 days. This order is obtained by going to the court and filling out paperwork to inform the judge of the situation.
• Permanent restraining order: A type of restraining order that lasts up to three years. A judge can issue this type of order during your temporary restraining order hearing, and the order can be reissued after three years if you are still in need of protection.
• Criminal protective order: If criminal charges are filed against the abuser, the criminal court will often issue a criminal protective order against the abuser for the duration of the case. If he or she is found guilty, the order lasts for three years after the conclusion of the case.

At The Law Office of Soheila Azizi & Associates, P.C., we can help you understand the importance of these orders to your family situation.

Children Can Be Victims, Too

The Handbook of Family Violence reports that as many as 50 to 70% of men charged with domestic violence also abuse children. The legal advocates of The Law Office of Soheila Azizi & Associates, P.C., always put the child first when it comes to family law matters, and we can help both you and your children get out of an abusive situation.

If you suspect that your child is being physically, sexually or emotionally abused, we can help you put a stop to it immediately. We work to ensure that your child’s safety comes first.

We’re Here To Help

If you or your children are experiencing domestic violence, you don’t have to face this alone. At The Law Office of Soheila Azizi & Associates, P.C., we understand the fear and uncertainty you’re feeling, and we’re committed to protecting your safety and securing your future. Whether you need help obtaining a restraining order, enforcing protective orders or navigating custody issues involving abuse, we’ll stand by your side with compassion and unwavering support.

Call us today at 909-259-1761 for confidential assistance or send us an email explaining your legal issue. Your safety and your children’s well-being are our top priorities. Let us help you take the first step toward protection and peace of mind.