San Diego Domestic Violence Lawyer

San Diego Domestic Violence Attorney

At Andy Cook Law, we represent those who have experienced domestic violence, helping them secure the protections they need and seek justice. We also fight for the rights and freedoms of individuals accused of domestic violence, so reach out to a San Diego domestic violence lawyer today.

Our team has decades of combined experience, and Attorney Andy Cook is a certified family law specialist. You can trust us for domestic violence cases that intersect with divorces, custody disputes, and other family law matters. To find out how we can assist you, set up a free consultation. We can meet with you in person or virtually. These initial meetings are completely confidential.

Call or reach out online to get our firm’s help.

Andy Cook Law — Certified Family Law Specialist

Andy Cook Law is led by Andy Cook, a Certified Family Law Specialist (CFLS), a distinction that makes him stand out in the legal field, but what exactly is a CFLS, and why does it matter when you’re facing a domestic violence situation?

A Certified Family Law Specialist is a lawyer who has earned special recognition from the State Bar of California for their extensive knowledge and experience in family law. To become a CFLS, a lawyer must pass a rigorous exam, be vouched for by their peers, practice family law, and continue their education to stay updated on the latest legal changes.

This certification means that Andy Cook has gone above and beyond the typical requirements to practice law, making him a highly qualified attorney for cases involving family matters like domestic violence.

When it comes to domestic violence cases, having a CFLS attorney on your side is incredibly important. Domestic violence issues can be complicated and emotional, and they often intersect with other areas of family law, like child custody, divorce, and spousal support.

A CFLS attorney understands the legal processes involved and knows the strategies specific to domestic violence law, so whether you’re seeking a protective order, facing accusations of abuse, or dealing with a complicated custody dispute due to domestic violence allegations, a CFLS attorney can help you steer your way through these challenges.

If you’re looking for a San Diego domestic violence lawyer, choosing someone with a CFLS certification means you’re getting an attorney who’s not only knowledgeable but also dedicated to providing quality legal support.

Domestic Violence: What It Is & Who It Involves

Domestic violence is not limited to physical acts that intentionally or unintentionally cause harm or bodily injury.

It can also include:

• Attempting to hurt another person
• Causing someone to feel fear of being harmed
• Psychological or emotional abuse

When many think of domestic violence, they might think of violence between spouses or romantic partners. However, domestic violence can involve people sharing the same living spaces (such as roommates), children, siblings, and family members.

Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DRVOs)

If you are experiencing and/or fearing domestic violence, you may request a temporary domestic violence restraining order (DVRO) against the alleged perpetrator in court. This request can also include a child custody or visitation order.

To secure a DVRO, you must fill out and file the appropriate form with your local court. Should you want to renew the DVRO or make it permanent, you will need to appear before a judge. At this appearance, the judge may also decide custody or visitation orders.

These processes above are complicated. However, securing proper protection and family agreements is essential. This is why having a domestic violence lawyer assist you can be highly advantageous.

How Domestic Violence Affects Divorce

Domestic violence is, unfortunately, part of many divorces. It can complicate the process and require you to make careful considerations, both if you have experienced domestic violence or have been accused of it.

If you have experienced domestic violence during your marriage, it is important to seek help and support as soon as possible. This may include reaching out to a trusted friend or family member, seeking counseling, and working with an attorney with a track record of handling domestic violence cases.

Our San Diego domestic violence lawyers can navigate legal matters, including:

• Securing a temporary and/or permanent DVRO
• Seeking spousal support during the divorce
• Advocating for custody and visitation arrangements that keep your children safe

On the other hand, if you have been accused of domestic violence, it is important to take these accusations seriously. Seek legal counsel immediately and refrain from contacting or communicating with your spouse or the person who has made the allegations. Our lawyers can work to protect your rights and fight for a fair divorce settlement.

Domestic Violence and Child Custody

When domestic violence is part of a divorce, it can shake up child custody decisions. In California, the court’s main job is to look out for the best interests of the child, and that’s a big deal when abuse is involved. Allegations of abuse — whether it affected a partner or the child — can carry great weight when it comes to deciding who should get custody of your child or children.

For victims of domestic violence, the court takes steps to make sure you’re safe, and if there’s a history of abuse, the court might limit or even stop the abusive parent from seeing your child or children to protect them. However, sometimes the court could also allow the abusive parent to have supervised visits — this is when they only get to spend time with the child if a neutral third party is around to make sure nothing harmful happens.

As stated, allegations of abuse can carry great weight when the court is deciding who should get custody, but what if those allegations are untrue? Even if you haven’t been convicted of a crime, you’ll need to present strong evidence and testimony to defend yourself and assure the court that you’re fit to have a relationship with your child.

This is where a good domestic violence lawyer can make all the difference. Whether you’re the victim of domestic violence or the accused, an experienced attorney from Andy Cook Law can help guide you through the process, protect your rights, and make sure that the safety of your child or children is always the Number One priority.

Protection & Resources for Domestic Violence Survivors

Know you can reach out to law enforcement after any instance of domestic violence or if a perpetrator violates a DVRO. The police can protect you, apprehend the perpetrator, and submit a case to the district attorney, who may file criminal charges.

For immediate assistance, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. You can also seek support services from the YWCA of San Diego, Center for Community Solutions, and other local organizations listed on the DomesticShelters.org site.

Consult a San Diego Domestic Violence Lawyer

For decades, we have represented a diverse range of people who have either experienced domestic violence or been accused of it. At Andy Cook Law, our CFLS skills and know-how can be your greatest advantage. Let us hear your story in a free consultation. Do not hesitate to contact us and schedule yours.

Call or connect with us online.