Georgetown Domestic Violence Lawyer
Domestic violence happens everywhere, and Georgetown, Michigan, is no exception. According to the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace, and Security, 7.7 percent of women in Michigan have experienced intimate partner violence.
More than 12 million people are affected by intimate partner violence nationwide every single year, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Domestic violence includes extreme acts of violence, such as violent beatings and up to murder, as well as more subtle forms of abuse and aggression.
If you’re experiencing domestic violence, you have legal options available for your protection. One of the smartest steps you can take is to seek professional legal help to resolve your situation.
Kraayeveld Family Law has Georgetown domestic violence attorneys dedicated to helping people in situations like yours. If you’ve been subjected to violence by an intimate partner in Georgetown, Michigan, don’t wait to get the help you need.
Contact Kraayeveld Family Law online or call 616-383-2679 today for a confidential consultation. Our office is conveniently located at 990 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI. We can help. Let’s talk.
What Is Considered Domestic Violence in Georgetown?
Michigan law defines domestic violence as causing physical or mental harm or the fear of physical or psychological harm to:
- A current or former spouse
- A current or former housemate
- A current or former sexual partner
- Someone you are dating or used to date
- A person you share a child with
- Someone you are, or used to be, related to by marriage
- A minor child of any of the above
Coercing a family member to engage in a sexual act or making them feel harassed or intimidated is also considered domestic violence under Michigan law.
According to Michigan Advance, nearly 70,000 people reported domestic violence crimes in Michigan in a single recent year, and the lethality of these attacks appears to be increasing. In one recent year, 89 people were killed in Michigan domestic violence incidents, and that number rose to 101 the following year. Seeking legal assistance is crucial before your situation escalates to this level.
Legal Protections Available for Domestic Violence Victims
If you’ve experienced domestic violence, you can protect yourself and your family by seeking a protective order against your abuser. A personal protection order (PPO) – sometimes called a “restraining order” – warns an abuser to stay away from you and not to engage in any abusive or intimidating behaviors.
Abusive conducts such as:
- Entering your home
- Physically attacking you
- Threatening you
- Removing minor children from your custody without court permission
- Buying a firearm
- Possessing a firearm
If the abuser violates your personal protection order, they can be arrested immediately and after a hearing be sentenced to up to 93 days in jail.
Michigan has three types of personal protection orders:
- A domestic relationship PPO
- A non-domestic sexual assault PPO
- A stalking PPO
To request a personal protection order:
- Fill out the form to request a PPO at your county clerk’s office or online.
- The form will include a statement of facts where you can describe what happened.
- Attach medical records and police reports to support your request.
After the judge’s review and approval of your request for a PPO, the order will go in effect immediately. After you obtain the PPO, you will need to have it personally served upon the aggressor, who is also called the Respondent.
The Respondent has the option to request a hearing to set aside the PPO. Our domestic violence lawyers in Georgetown can help you respond to the request for a hearing and during the hearing to argue that the PPO is essential for your safety and the safety of your family.
How a Georgetown Domestic Violence Lawyer Can Help
The Georgetown domestic violence lawyers at Kraayeveld Family Law can help in many different ways, including:
- Providing legal representation in court
- Representing you in negotiations so you don’t have to deal with your abuser or their attorneys in person
- Providing assistance with a request to Set Aside the PPO
- Assisting with your child custody case
- Advocating for your rights and safety in court
Steps to Take if You Are a Victim of Domestic Abuse
If your partner or former partner has assaulted you:
- Report the assault to the police and press charges.
- Seek medical attention immediately after the incident.
- Keep all evidence of the assault, including medical records and photos.
- Put together a domestic violence safety plan.
- Seek shelter and emotional support to help you get through this challenging situation.
- Contact our domestic violence attorneys immediately.
Can Domestic Violence Affect Child Custody Arrangements in Georgetown?
Domestic abuse could affect child custody arrangements in family law cases, but it will not necessarily prevent the other parent from having some form of custody or parenting time. According to the Michigan Parenting Time Guideline, the court must consider domestic violence when determining the best interest of the child and awarding custody. That is true even if the child was not the target of the family violence and did not witness it.
Make sure to inform the court of the other parent’s history of domestic violence, as it may well affect the court’s decisions about child custody and other legal issues. The domestic violence attorneys at Kraayeveld Family Law can help you fight for sole custody of your children.
Why Choose Kraayeveld Family Law for Your Georgetown Domestic Violence Case?
Kraayeveld Family Law is a firm with Georgetown domestic violence lawyers located at 990 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI. We are tenacious, honest, and responsive attorneys with a reputation for delivering legal services designed to get results for our clients. We have the skills, savvy, and experience needed to seek the legal protection you need and deserve.
Call the domestic violence lawyers at Kraayeveld Family Law at 616-285-0808, or contact us online for a confidential case review today.