Call: 360-866-7393

Domestic Violence

As a father and husband in Washington, you likely find it impossible to ever consider hitting your wife or children. Sadly, many a good man like you has been accused of domestic violence during a divorce and lost access to his children because of a restraining order. Sometimes all it takes is a loud argument overheard by the neighbors to start a chain reaction resulting in the court ordering you to stay away from your kids.

Restraining Orders

Civil courts in Washington have the power to grant Orders of Protection. These protective orders are granted when there is a claim of domestic violence. Under Washington law, domestic violence is not only physical harm, it also includes stalking, destruction of property, and even verbal threats of violence. Poorly chosen words used in the heat of an argument have caused many men to be accused of domestic violence.

If a protective order is granted, a father may be ordered to stay away from his wife and kids, prohibited from entering his home, or even visiting his children’s school. He may even be forced to attend counseling or anger management classes.

During the divorce process, the court may issue a Restraining Order. A father with a restraining order against him will have a difficult time fighting for custody and visitation of his children. Restraining orders may also become permanent with the final divorce decree.

If a man violates an active order for protection or restraining order, he can be arrested. Many good husbands and fathers receive a rude awakening when their wives inflate an argument and accuse them of making threats against her and the children. In such circumstances, you need a divorce lawyer experienced in aggressively fighting orders for protection.

Avoid Confrontation

It is absolutely against your best interest to resort to any behavior that may be labeled as domestic violence. During the divorce, give your former spouse plenty of space and avoid any confrontations. You will likely be hurt by many things your wife has done. One heated argument in public may be all it takes to have the court issue a protective order.

In the short term, you could face jail time and restrictions on your access to your home, spouse, and children. In the long term, charges of domestic violence may result in restraining orders, anger management class requirements, and permanent restrictions on custody and visitation with your children.

Having a restraining order entered against you can have lasting effects on things that you would not necessarily expect, like your ability to get a job or a security clearance. Restraining orders are good, necessary tools to be used by the court; but it is important that the power of restraining orders not be abused. If your spouse has asked the court to enter a temporary restraining order against you, you need a good family law attorney to help you challenge the accusations in court.

Criminal Charges

An arrest for domestic violence leads to the very real possibility of criminal charges. Domestic violence is a serious crime in the state of Washington. Police officers have a duty to arrest if they believe an incident has occurred or an order for protection has been violated. A conviction on your record will impact you for years to come. The safest course is to avoid any situation that can result in an argument or confrontation.

If You are the Victim of Domestic Violence

It is important that action be taken to protect you and your children from harm. A restraining order or other legal action may be appropriate. Female domestic violence against males is not uncommon, but it is not frequently discussed in public. Your attorney can help you understand your options and present relevant facts about abuse properly to the court.

It is important that you talk openly with your attorney about the issue of domestic violence if it is affecting your life. Full and truthful disclosure is essential for the best family law representation. Your disclosures to your attorney are privileged and confidential.

The attorneys of Divorce Lawyers For Men have defended hundreds of Washington men against Orders for Protection and Restraining Orders. Don’t let unfounded accusations of domestic violence ruin your life. Call us today at (360) 866-7393 to speak with an attorney who understands your situation.

“I got upset and left a very angry message on my wife’s voice mail. A few days later I got a notice she was seeking a restraining order to stop me from seeing my children. Without Divorce Lawyers For Men defending me at the hearing, I don’t know if I would be able to see my kids today.” – Sam G.

Real People, Real Results

Divorce Lawyers for Men Reviews

"I never thought my wife would agree to anything. After a few discussions though, we were able to agree on a lot of issues concerning the children. Divorce Lawyers for Men helped me put those agreements in writing and resolve my divorce with less conflict."

"Divorce Lawyers for Men was very helpful with my case. The staff and attorneys are very knowledgeable and provided great advice. They provided me understanding of various courses of action and brought to light specific things I wouldn't have thought of. Most importantly respected my decisions and beliefs in finalizing my case."

"My wife wanted to live in our house with her new boyfriend while I kept paying the mortgage. Divorce Lawyers for Men made sure the court saw all our property and debts. We sold the house and split the proceeds. I didn't have to pay for any free rides."

"I never wanted to get divorced. One day my wife came home and said that she had met someone else. Why do I have to lose my house and my children just because she is done with our marriage? Thankfully, I hired Divorce Lawyers for Men."

Washington's Only Statewide Family Law Network

Select an Office near You.

Bellevue
1520 140th Ave NE #200
Bellevue, WA 98005
Everett
2727 Oakes Ave #201
Everett, WA 98201
Kent
555 W Smith Street, Suite 106
Kent, WA 98032
Olympia
3025 Limited Ln NW #200
Olympia, WA 98502
Port Orchard
1740 Pottery Ave #300
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Puyallup
2102 E Main Ave #203
Puyallup, WA 98372
Seattle
701 5th Ave #4200
Seattle, WA 98101
Spokane
1008 N. Washington St., Second Floor
Spokane, WA 99201
Tacoma
1015 Pacific Avenue #301
Tacoma, WA 98402
Vancouver
237 NE Chkalov Dr #212
Vancouver, WA 98684