Being involved in a domestic violence case can be incredibly stressful. Domestic violence laws can seem somewhat murky. If you are involved in a domestic violence situation, you may be unsure of how to proceed. We will shoulder the legal burden of your case, so you can instead focus on maintaining your mental and physical health and safety.
To learn more or schedule a free consultation with our team, contact us online or via phone at Ohio law defines domestic violence as any one or more of the following acts committed against a family or household member :.
The law defines a "family or household member" as: anyone who currently resides or previously resides with the perpetrator, spouses, and former spouses, cohabitating partners, parents and children of the perpetrator or his or her spouse, parents of shared children. In Ohio, domestic violence victims can seek relief directly, or a parent or adult household member can file a petition on the victim's behalf. The petition for relief must describe the nature and extent of the domestic violence and the victim's relationship to the perpetrator.
Individuals who need immediate protection can request an "ex parte" hearing a hearing without the perpetrator present. The Ohio courts will conduct the hearing the same day that the petition is filed. Ex parte hearings result in short-term relief in the form of a temporary protection order, and a full hearing will be scheduled within ten days. Following the full hearing, the court has the power to issue a long-term protection order for the victim , the victim's children, and even the victim's pets living in the home where the violence occurred.
This order may :. If the perpetrator seeks modification of a protection order, the Ohio court with jurisdiction will conduct a hearing taking into consideration :. Let our Cleveland domestic violence lawyers work with you to find the best path forward in your domestic violence case. Contact us online or via phone at to schedule a consultation with our team. Your story and circumstances are unique and they require a personalized, thoughtful approach.
