Middlesex County Domestic Violence Lawyer

In cases of domestic violence, so much is on the line for both the victim and the accused, as your reputation, career, personal relationships, child custody arrangement, and most frighteningly, your safety, may hang in the balance. If you’re a victim of domestic violence or are being accused of it, contact a knowledgeable and compassionate Middlesex County family lawyer from Mark Liam Gannon, Attorney at Law, for an initial consultation today. We are here to protect your rights, every step of the way.

Domestic Violence Lawyer Serving Massachusetts

When relationships are strained or severed, through divorces, break-ups, or even escalated arguments, domestic violence incidents can occur, compelling law enforcement intervention and bringing both parties into a legal process that neither likely anticipated. Whether you are the alleged victim of domestic violence or the alleged perpetrator, you are protected under the law from threats to your safety or false accusations, whatever the case may be. You have the right to stand before a judge and have your voice heard.

You may present evidence on your behalf, provide witnesses who will testify to the validity of your statements, and ultimately, seek justice. To ensure that you are thoroughly protected and advocated for, it is in your best interest to have an experienced domestic violence lawyer in your corner.

Domestic Violence Defined

In Massachusetts, domestic violence is broadly defined to include not only physical harm but also the threat of harm between individuals who share a domestic relationship. This can include spouses, former spouses, individuals in a dating relationship, those who share a child, or members of the same household or family.

Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 209A, acts such as assault, battery, stalking, sexual abuse, and even harassment or coercion may be considered domestic violence when they occur between qualifying parties. The law is designed to protect individuals from not only direct acts of violence, but also from emotional manipulation, intimidation, and control that can have lasting impacts on a victim’s well-being.

It’s important to understand that domestic violence is not limited to physical altercations. Verbal threats, financial control, and psychological abuse may all rise to the level of domestic violence depending on the circumstances. If you believe you are in danger, or if you have been accused of putting someone else in danger, taking legal action promptly is crucial.

Obtaining a Restraining Order in Massachusetts

If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety due to domestic violence, Massachusetts law allows you to petition the court for a restraining order, also known as an abuse prevention order, under Chapter 209A. This is a civil order that can prohibit the alleged abuser from contacting you, entering your home, or coming near your workplace or children.

To obtain a restraining order, you must file a complaint in the District Court, Probate and Family Court, or Superior Court. If the situation is urgent, the court may issue a temporary (ex parte) order the same day, based solely on your sworn statement, without notifying the other party. A full hearing is then scheduled within ten business days, where both sides can present evidence and testimony. At this hearing, the judge will decide whether to extend the order, often for up to one year, and it may be renewed.

Being found responsible for domestic violence–whether through a criminal conviction or even the issuance of a restraining order–can have significant consequences in family court. It may affect child custody and visitation arrangements, as courts in Massachusetts prioritize the best interests and safety of the child. A record of abuse can limit or eliminate parenting time and may lead to supervised visitation or loss of custodial rights entirely.

If You’re Falsely Accused

False accusations of domestic violence are serious and can be devastating, especially in the emotionally charged context of family law disputes. Whether the claim arises in the midst of a divorce, custody battle, or a breakdown in personal relationships, the implications can be immediate and long-lasting, from removal from your home to restricted access to your children.

At Mark Liam Gannon, Attorney at Law, we understand how critical it is to respond quickly and strategically when you’re falsely accused. Our team will conduct a thorough review of the allegations, gather exculpatory evidence, interview witnesses, and ensure that your side of the story is fully heard in court. We will advocate to have restraining orders dismissed when they lack merit and defend against any attempt to use false claims as leverage in custody or property disputes.

A false accusation doesn’t just threaten your legal standing; it threatens your reputation, your livelihood, and your peace of mind. We are here to protect those rights, expose the truth, and help you regain control over your life and future.

Contact a Tyngsboro Domestic Violence Lawyer

When domestic violence issues arise, immediate and aggressive action is necessary to protect yourself. With years of experience assisting individuals and families in these precarious situations, we are prepared to stand by your side through every step of the legal process. Contact a domestic violence lawyer from Mark Liam Gannon, Attorney at Law, to discuss your case and find the answers you need to move forward with confidence.