Florida Domestic Violence Laws
If you or your child is in danger or if you have been accused of domestic violence it is important to get legal advice immediately.
In Florida, a report of domestic violence triggers speedy action on the part of the court. Within hours, even minutes after a person swears a complaint of spousal abuse or child endangerment, the judge decides whether to grant a Temporary Injunction for Protection against Domestic Violence, and may be granted after the first report of violence. A hearing to decide on a permanent injunction will then be held within fourteen days. Restraining orders vary broadly in scope:
- A restraining order may be granted against your husband, wife, ex-spouse, any relative by blood or marriage, the father or mother of your child, or any person who has lived with you.
- Domestic violence includes physical and sexual assault, stalking, kidnapping, or threats.
- An Injunction for Protection against Domestic Violence can order the abuser to refrain from violence or from contact with the abused, to leave the home or to stay away from a school, business, or workplace.
- The protection order may temporarily transfer custody of a child or establish temporary child support.
- It may order an abuser to go to treatment, counseling, or a domestic battery intervention program.
As a family law attorney, counselor, and certified divorce mediator, I see the toll that violence or domestic disputes take on families. If you or your child is in danger, or if you have been accused of spousal abuse or child endangerment, it is important you take immediate action to protect your rights. If you would like to speak with me, please contact my New Port Richey office.
Gary A. Urso
7702 Massachusetts Avenue
New Port Richey, FL 34653
Phone: 727-847-7808
Toll-free: 866-771-7808
Fax: 727-847-6621
Free Initial Telephone Consultation
Family law attorney Gary A. Urso assists clients in New Port Richey, St. Petersburg, Brooksville, Dade City, Spring Hill, Zephyr Hills, Tarpon Springs, Holiday, Palm Harbor, Clearwater, and Port Richey; and in Pasco County, Pinellas County, Hernando County, and other communities throughout the Tampa Bay area and the West Coast of Florida with divorce, custody, child dependency, mediation, domestic violence, and other domestic law issues.