Restraining Orders
For Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is the use of power and control over another, most commonly in intimate and close relationships.
New Jersey Recognizes That Domestic Violence can take multiple forms.
Domestic violence can occur in the form of physical violence as well as the threat of physical violence, more persistent kinds of harassment and even the insidious coercive control of another. Domestic violence is sometimes extreme, or it can be repeated or serious behavior that causes the victim serious annoyance or alarm.
If you are the victim of domestic violence, you can apply for a Temporary Restraining Order at your county’s Superior Court, Family Court, or with the police. (usually occurring when police are called to a domestic violence incident.)
New Jersey Has Strong Protections Against Domestic Violence.
People living in the greater Princeton area and Central New Jersey have strong protections against domestic violence.
The first legal step that is taken is typically when the victim, or subject of the domestic violence seeks a restraining order protecting them from further harm, and other things, like having no contact with the victim, requiring curbside pick up or drop offs of children, or even preventing the abuser from returning to the home.
Example of specific acts of domestic violence
that could be the basis of a restraining order might include:
Physical assault
Sexual assault
Terroristic threats
Harassment
Stalking
False imprisonment
Coercive Control
If you are the victim of domestic violence, you can apply for a Temporary Restraining Order at your county’s Superior Court, Family Part, or with the police (usually occurring when police are called to a domestic violence incident.)
If a Temporary Restraining Order (also called a “TRO,”) is granted, a Final Restraining Order Hearing will be scheduled before a judge at the Superior Court. The abuser will be served with the TRO and will also be required to appear at Court at the same time as you.
Final Restraining Order Hearings
A Final Restraining Order (FRO) hearing is essentially a trial where both sides can share their version of events and present evidence, including any history of domestic violence between the parties.
Each party has the right to be represented by an attorney. If the judge finds that domestic violence occurred, they will decide whether to make the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) permanent based on legal standards.
Our attorneys have deep experience handling FRO hearings. We are active members of the Domestic Violence Working Group at the Mercer County family court and collaborate closely with therapists and support organizations focused on domestic violence and anger management.
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