Family solicitors play an important role in assisting individuals to go through legal matters related to family relationships. From child residency and adoption to divorce and domestic violence, family law solicitors London provides complete expert guidance, advice and representation to pull out the best outcome that there is for their clients. Let’s explore how family law solicitors can help victims of domestic abuse through their support services and legal guidance.
Understanding the Role of Family Law Solicitors in Domestic Abuse Cases
What is domestic Abuse?
Sometimes people go through domestic abuse without even knowing that they are being a part of it. However, domestic abuse refers to incidents or patterns of controlling, threatening, degrading, and violent behaviour between two people who are closely or personally connected. The connection can be through a current or previous relationship, family ties or other.
Moreover, abusive behaviour can include, but is not limited to just sexual violence, physical or emotional abuse or even blackmail and controlling behaviour from a partner.
Difference Between Domestic Abuse and Domestic Violence
While often used in the same context, domestic violence specifically describes physical aggressive acts within a domestic setting, whereas domestic abuse is much of a broader term which includes various forms of harsh behaviours such as psychological, emotional and even economic abuse. Some of the types of domestic abuse are:
- Sexual Abuse
- Physical Abuse
- Psychological and Emotional Abuse
- Economic and Financial Abuse
- Enforced behaviour
- Mental Abuse
How Family Law Solicitors Handle Domestic Abuse Cases?
Family lawyers have a vital role when it comes to domestic violence and domestic abuse. They provide support services and legal representation to victims, helping them attain protection orders, such as NMO (Non-Molestation order) and occupation orders. Family solicitors work keenly to ensure the safety and well-being of their clients and their children, guiding them through their rights and shedding light on available legal remedies. They are trained to be sensitive and empathetic to the victim’s needs while steering through the legal process such as the child custody arrangements (if applicable).
- Immediate Protection
Family law solicitors can quickly apply for court orders such as NMO and non-molestation orders which prevent contact and protect the rights of the victim. Then comes the occupation order, which excludes the abuser from the shared property to safeguard the victim’s future.
- Evidence Gathering
Family law solicitors not only help in getting the orders but also assist in gathering all the necessary evidence and documentation for record purposes, which includes:
- Witness statements
- Text messages
- Photographs
- Letter from a general practitioner
- Medical Records
Other evidence may include depending on the nature of the case.
- Representation in Court
In cases where court interventions are necessary, family solicitors provide advocacy and representation for their clients. Family lawyers prepare and present legal arguments, documentation, and evidence in court proceedings, representing the victim and arguing for the most appropriate protective orders.
- Support in the Case
Domestic abuse cases have a very sensitive nature and because of this the solicitors are highly trained to deliver emotional support and be empathetic throughout the legal process so they can make it less hard for the victim.
- Collaboration with Agencies
In such cases the victim’s safety and access to necessary resources are quite important, which is why solicitors work with support organisations like social services, shelters and the police to ensure everything falls in the right order for their client.
- Child Protection and Support
Family lawyers play a very important role in child custody and support matters when children are involved in the domestic abuse situation. Solicitors assist parents in establishing child custody arrangements that prioritise the best interests of the child. Moreover, they also help with parenting plans, visitation schedules, resolving disputes and child support calculations, ensuring that financial obligations are met to support the well-being of the child or children involved.
Aspects of Domestic Abuse Cases
Confidentiality:
Family law solicitors are highly professional and are bound by confidentiality and will treat all information related to the case with utmost regard and privacy.
Fact-findings:
In many cases the abuser denies allegations and for this purpose a separate hearing may be held to dig out the truth of the claims.
Legal Aid:
Victims of domestic abuse may be eligible for legal aid to access legal representation, depending on their financial circumstances.
Say NO to Domestic Abuse Today!
Need Assistance?
Going through domestic abuse is the hardest thing that there is. As much as it takes an emotional toll on the victim’s health and future collectively, it is very important to take the right action against it and for that Farani Taylor Solicitors are here to support and provide full guidance. Our Family Law Solicitors London are highly professional and well-trained to deal with the sensitivity of Domestic abuse cases.
Connect with us today and talk to your domestic violence lawyer for best guidance and support.
