Dedicated Cook County Orders Of Protection Lawyer
Domestic violence is a real issue in our society that can touch individuals from all walks of life, economic groups, religious groups, educational backgrounds and ethnicities. Dealing with abuse can leave physical, mental and emotional scars for both victims and their children. But no one should have to live in fear.
Fortunately, you can take legal steps to protect yourself and your family against the threat of or actual abuse taken against you by a current or former intimate partner. I am family lawyer Sahara Bell at Bell Law Group, and I have represented numerous clients in obtaining orders of protection from the courts. These orders are designed to end and prevent family violence, stalking, intimidation, and other abusive behaviors and ultimately preserve your safety and well-being. My goal is to ensure your security and that of your children in the places where you should feel safe: your home, work, school, or other frequently visited locations.
What Should I Know About Orders Of Protection In Illinois?
If you fear for the safety of yourself or your children, this is qualification enough to seek an order of protection. These orders are issued by the courts on an emergency, interim, or even permanent basis. They can be issued for a number of dangerous circumstances, even in the midst of divorce proceedings or other family law matters.
An order of protection can do the following:
- Order the abuser to stop any further type of abuse or threats of abuse.
- Stop your abuser from making any kind of contact with you or approaching you. Contact includes by phone, text, email, letter, in person, or with the help of someone else.
- Order the abuser to move out of your shared residence.
- Restrict the abuser from contacting your shared children.
- Restrict the abuser from owning or possessing a gun.
- Order the abuser to take part in counseling.
- Restrict the abuser from taking a child out of state or hiding a child from you.
- Give temporary custody of shared children to you.
- Order the abuser to pay you child support.
- Order the abuser to reimburse you for any losses suffered due to abuse.
- Order any other actions or restrictions the court deems appropriate.
Judges can order emergency orders of protection without the need for the abuser to appear in court. These are intended to immediately stop any documented physical violence or threat of violence. They stay in effect for only two to three weeks.
Interim orders of protection for up to 30 days. These are designed to be in effect until a court hearing can take place in which the abuser can provide his or her side of the story.
Once a court hearing has occurred where you and your abuser can present your arguments to the judge, the judge has the authority to issue a “plenary” order of protection. This can last for up to two years.
An Orders Of Protection Lawyer Here To Help
These matters are extremely serious and should be taken care of correctly the first time in order to further help ensure your safety and protection. I can help you in these situations and I have a long history of success in orders of protection. You can turn to me to be there for you every step of the way, from filing an emergency order, to standing up for you in a court hearing. You do not have to face this alone, and having the right help by your side can make a true difference in your case.
Reach out to me today to schedule an initial appointment to find out more. Use my online contact form or call (708) 512-5575 to get in touch with me. I also have offices in Matteson and Atlanta but take cases throughout Chicago and Cook County, Illinois.