Domestic Violence Attorneys in Houston, Texas
At Stepp & Sullivan, P.C, our domestic violence attorneys in Houston understand how physical, emotional, psychological, or financial abuse can take a significant toll on the victim and their family, which is why we focus on providing compassionate care and legal guidance for each of our clients who are involved in these difficult relationships.
Often, domestic violence can result from challenging circumstances, including divorce. Other times domestic violence is the result of the marriage’s dissolution.
When our clients are victims of domestic violence, each area of their lives is affected, placing their personal and professional lives on hold while they seek help.
No matter your personal circumstances, our domestic violence lawyers in Harris County will pursue solutions, which may include restraining or protective orders that can guide you to safety and hold your abuser accountable for their actions.
What is Considered Domestic Violence in Houston, Texas?
- Spouses and former spouses
- Current or former partners
- Current dating partners, even if they do not live together
- Individuals who live together, regardless of their relationship
- Parents who share a child or children
- Relatives, either blood or adoptive
Domestic violence in Texas is very serious and often requires legal intervention.
If you have been hurt by someone you love, contact our experienced domestic violence attorneys in Houston today to learn how we can help protect your rights and provide the solutions you need to remain safe while your case is handled by the legal authorities.
What Are the Most Common Types of Domestic Violence in Houston, Texas?
At Stepp & Sullivan, P.C., our domestic violence attorneys in Houston focus on providing our clients with safe options for holding their abusers accountable for their actions.
Whether their case involves a single act, or repeat behavior, legal resolutions often provide the best outcomes for these unique circumstances.
- Emotional abuse
- Financial abuse, including the denial of resources or money
- Harassment
- Intimidation
- Physical abuse
- Psychological abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Social, including restraint from normal activities
- Spiritual or religious abuse
- Stalking
- Threats
- Trespassing
- Unlawful Imprisonment
- Unwanted Communication
- Verbal abuse
If you need help, contact our experienced Houston domestic violence lawyers to pursue the protective or restraining order that fits your unique circumstances.
Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Houston at Stepp & Sullivan, P.C. Also Provide The Following Services:
- Airport Cart & Wheelchairs Accidents
- Aviation Accidents
- Boat Accidents
- Maritime Accidents
- Product Liability
- Vehicle Accidents
- Wrongful Death
What Types of Protective Orders are available in Texas?
Filing for a protective or restraining order might be the best way to protect yourself and your children from dangerous circumstances.
Our experienced domestic violence attorneys in Houston will focus on pursuing the most effective options available for your unique needs, so you can gain the confidence you need to protect yourself from going forward.
In Texas, there are three types of protective orders available to our residents.
- Temporary Ex-Parte Protective Orders
If you have been abused or assaulted by your partner, you may be eligible to file a temporary ex-parte protective order when we can prove:
- You were abused by your partner
- You are at risk of being abused again
Our Houston domestic violence lawyers will present the evidence to the judge, who will review it and – finding you are applicable for approval – will sign the protective order, which usually lasts up to 20 days.
The temporary order can be granted by the judge even in the absence of the abuser.
- Final or Permanent Protective Orders
When a temporary protective order will not fit your domestic violence protection needs, you may petition the court for a final or permanent protective order.
The final or permanent protective order may be enforced for up to two years, and possibly longer depending on your unique circumstances.
A permanent order requires the abusive partner to be present at the hearing.
The accused will be allowed to present their arguments and evidence to dispute their accuser’s claims regarding their abusive behavior.
If you are pursuing a permanent protective order in Texas, contact our experienced Houston domestic violence or personal injury attorneys to get the help you need to obtain and enforce this order, so you can focus on remaining safe.
- Magistrate’s Order of Emergency Protection
The Magistrate’s Order of Emergency Protection in Texas is an emergency protective order that is provided to abuse victims whose partner has been arrested for their abusive behavior.
- Indecent assault
- Sexual abuse
- Sexual assault
- Stalking
- Trafficking
Unlike a temporary or final protective order, an emergency protective order is issued by a criminal court.
This order does not have to be filed by your Houston domestic violence attorney.
- The police officer who made the arrest
- The prosecutor
- The request of a guardian, when applicable
If you are currently going through a divorce in Texas, your spouse’s ability to obtain child custody may be affected by any type of domestic violence charges. Our Houston domestic violence lawyers will walk you through your options and answer any questions you may have about the process, so you can make informed decisions about your future.
What Steps Should I Take After Suffering from Domestic Violence in Houston, Texas?
If you are being abused or harassed during a domestic violence scenario, contact your local authorities immediately to get law enforcement involved in your claim.
The police will take a report of the incident, which will help us design your case and request the protective order you need.
It may provide the time you need to find a safe place to stay while the abuser is off the street.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline may provide the help you need to make important decisions about your safety by providing resources and guidance that can help you to safety.
Once you have found a safe place to stay, contact the experienced Houston domestic violence attorneys at Stepp & Sullivan, P.C. to gain the experience you need to pursue a successful domestic violence protective order that fits your unique circumstances.
You must avoid contact with the individual you are seeking protection from.
We will build your Houston domestic violence case as your legal representative and attend each court date, so you are never left facing your abuser or the legal system alone.
If you already have a protective order in place, call 911 immediately if the person in which you have the order violates it in any way.
Then contact our domestic violence law office to ensure our records are maintained and presented before the judge. There is safety beyond your current circumstances. Our domestic violence law firm in Houston can help you find it.
Contact Our Skilled Domestic Violence Attorneys in Houston, Texas Today for Help
If you are being hurt by someone you love in Texas, contact our experienced Houston domestic violence attorneys today by calling (713) 336-7200 to learn how our family law attorneys can help you pursue the solutions you need to become and stay safe going forward.
