Domestic Violence Attorneys in Bergen County, NJ

Representation for Protection Requests & Domestic Violence Allegations

Domestic violence is a serious family law matter that can affect restraining orders, criminal proceedings, child custody, parenting time, and related disputes. Whether you’re seeking protection or defending against allegations, our attorneys can help you present the relevant facts and address the family-law consequences of the case.

At Sherwood, Johnson & Poles, our Bergen County family law attorneys draw on more than 25 years of combined litigation experience. Our lawyers have taken domestic violence cases to trial and have experience on both the defense and prosecution sides of these matters. We develop a personalized legal strategy for each client and provide ongoing communication, including electronic case updates.

How New Jersey Defines Domestic Violence

Under the New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, N.J.S.A. 2C:25-19, domestic violence involves a specified predicate act committed against a person protected by the statute. A predicate act is alleged conduct that falls within one of the law’s identified offenses.

Protected relationships can include current or former spouses, current or former household members, people in a dating relationship, and people who share or expect a child. The relationship between the parties, the alleged conduct, the supporting evidence, and the applicable statutory requirements all matter when the court evaluates a complaint.

Domestic violence predicate acts identified by New Jersey law include:

• Homicide
• Assault
• Sexual assault
• Criminal sexual contact
• Lewdness
• Kidnapping
• False imprisonment
• Criminal restraint
• Terroristic threats
• Burglary
• Criminal trespass
• Criminal mischief
• Stalking
• Harassment
• Criminal coercion
• Robbery
• Qualifying contempt of a domestic violence order

An allegation involving a listed act doesn’t automatically result in a final restraining order. The court considers the parties’ relationship, the evidence, whether a predicate act occurred, and whether restraints are necessary to protect against immediate danger or further abuse.

Restraining Orders & Related Family-Law Consequences

A person protected by the statute may ask the court to issue a restraining order. A temporary restraining order can impose immediate restrictions before a hearing concerning a final restraining order. Depending on the relief authorized by the court, an order may address contact, proximity, access to a residence, workplace or school, parenting time, and firearms.

The alleged conduct may also lead to a separate criminal case. Criminal charges and restraining-order proceedings follow different processes, even when they arise from the same incident. The outcome of either matter depends on the evidence, applicable law, and court findings.

Domestic violence findings can also influence custody and parenting-time decisions. Courts consider the safety and best interests of the children, but an allegation alone doesn’t determine the result. These issues may arise within a child custody or divorce case, making coordinated family-law representation important.

Preparing for a Domestic Violence Consultation

We represent people seeking protection as well as people defending against domestic violence allegations.

During a consultation, relevant information may include:

• Existing orders
• Communications between the parties
• Witness information
• Photographs
• Medical or police records
• Details involving children
• Any pending family-law or criminal proceedings

If you’ve been served with a restraining-order complaint, follow every term of the order and don’t contact the other party to discuss the case. Seek legal advice promptly so you understand the hearing process and the evidence that may be relevant. Anyone facing immediate danger should consider contacting law enforcement or an appropriate crisis-support resource in addition to obtaining legal guidance.

Our attorneys are experienced litigators, trained collaborative lawyers, and certified mediators. We tailor our approach to the circumstances instead of applying the same strategy to every dispute. Free case evaluations and evening appointments make it easier to schedule a consultation, while electronic case access keeps you informed.

Discuss Your Domestic Violence Matter with Our Firm

Contact us to discuss a request for protection, a restraining-order complaint, or related custody and divorce concerns. We can evaluate the circumstances and explain how restraining-order, custody, divorce, or criminal proceedings may intersect.

We serve clients in Bergen, Passaic, and Morris counties and offer evening appointments when needed. Through electronic access and regular updates, you can stay informed about developments in your case.