Restraining Orders- New Jersey Laws

This post focuses on providing readers information regarding the restraining orders assigned by New Jersey Courts of law in family law cases of domestic violence.

 

What is meant by a Restraining Order?

A restraining order is a Court order issued against the abuser (defendant) to prevent them from hurting the victim further, to keep the abuser away from the victim, to protect him/her from harassing the victim or to keep them away from the crime scene (place of violence) which might include home, apartment or workplace. Being a civil order, the defendant does not get a criminal record in his/her name when a restraining order is issued in his/her name.

 

Who can obtain a Restraining Order?

A victim of domestic violence can file for a restraining order. The victim can be a man or a woman who has received physical, mental, sexual or economic abuse at the hands of their spouse or someone they shared an intimate relationship with. It also covers dating relationships of victims more or less than 18 years of age.

 

What does it do?

The judge would sign an order of protection with orders for the abuser to obey such as the likes of these:

Ø  The order against contact where the abuser is ordered to severe all contacts with the victim both in person and by phone (any digital media). The victim can ask the Court to include his/her workplace and any other place along with their home address in the order.

Ø  The court can order the abuser to leave or walk out of the place you share with him/her; even if they own it.

Ø  The police might be ordered to escort the abuser while they remove their personal belongings from your place or shared residency.

These are just some of the orders NJ courts can ask the abuser to obey on victim’s request. You need to consult with a professional Red Bank divorce attorney regarding your personal requests and he/she would advice you for future actions accordingly.

 

Where are restraining orders filed?

A restraining order can be filed in the Domestic Violence Unit of the Family Divisions of Superior Court from Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You can either do it yourself or take assistance from a working Woodbridge divorce attorney for completing the paperwork.

 

It is always advised to take consult from a professional attorney who specializes in family law to get complete understanding of your position in the case and plan future strategies with them if you wish to take further legal action against the abuser.