Louisiana Family Law and Domestic Violence Lawyers
Experienced Louisiana Family Law Attorneys Fighting for Your Rights
Mansfield Melancon’s family law attorneys always strive to get the best outcome possible for our clients especially when they are victims of family crimes including domestic violence. Of all the long-term relationships we experience throughout our lives, family ties are often the most private, enduring, and emotional. As most can attest, however, these relationships are rarely free from conflict. Mansfield Melancon’s family law attorneys have experience prosecuting and defending domestic violence and can provide personal and individualized attention and advice that clients need and deserve during what may be the most difficult times of their lives.
First and foremost, if you are a victim or you know someone who is being victimized by a family member please contact law enforcement or contact a domestic violence organization immediately. Studies have shown that four in 10 female victims of domestic violence live in homes with children under age 12. Domestic violence puts children at physical risk and also causes them psychological harm. For this reason, the state of Louisiana has extensive laws allowing judges to consider domestic violence when deciding custody.
Louisiana law defines domestic violence as physical or sexual abuse between family members, household members, and dating partners. If individuals used to be family members, household members, or dating partners in the past, courts still consider physical or sexual abuse between them as domestic violence.
If you or your minor children have experienced domestic violence in the past and are afraid of future abuse, you should contact a Family Law attorney at Mansfield Melancon to help you obtain a “Temporary Restraining Order,” or “TRO.” Courts issue restraining orders when necessary to protect a parent or child from an abusive parent. A TRO may include the following:
- prohibit the abusive parent from abusing, harassing, or interfering with the other parent or child
- order the abuser to stay away from the victim parent and child’s home
- award the victim parent use of a home, automobile, or other property
- grant the victim parent custody of any children, and
- award the victim parent possession of any pets.
Domestic violence also can have a large influence in custody decisions. Louisiana judges begin custody decisions with the presumption that no parent with a history of committing domestic violence should receive custody of a child. At the beginning of every custody case, each parent must notify the court of either parent’s other court proceedings involving domestic violence, protective orders, or termination of parental rights.
Courts consider there to be a history of domestic violence if there is more than one incident of domestic violence or one incident of domestic violence that caused a serious injury. It is important to document violence when it occurs including recording the abuser, contacting law enforcement, or notifying 3rd parties of the violence as soon as possible.
Louisiana law has recently changed to provide for an immediate divorce if a spouse has committed domestic violence during the marriage or if a permanent protective order is issued against one spouse on behalf of the other spouse or household member. If you are granted a divorce as a victim of domestic violence you can be entitled to a higher award of final spousal support. Also, the abuser will have severe restrictions for any custody or visitation.
Schedule a Consultation with a Family Law Attorney at Mansfield Melancon today!
If you are in need of reliable legal advice regarding your best available options when dealing with domestic or family violence, contact a family law attorney at Mansfield Melancon immediately to make sure your rights and interests are being protected. We are committed to guiding the people whom we represent through the legal process with experience and personal attention.
Our firm also has a strong track record of getting optimal results for our clients.
Our offices are conveniently located in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Lafayette. Call us or contact us online to schedule a consultation with a Louisiana personal injury lawyer. You can reach us at our New Orleans location at 504-500-1108, our Baton Rouge location at 225-612-0800, or our Lafayette location at 337-409-0003.