Duluth Domestic Violence Attorneys
If you or a loved one have suffered domestic violence, a skilled attorney is necessary to ensure your case isn’t overlooked. In 15 years, over 2,000 people have died from domestic violence induced injuries in Georgia, while over 45,000 calls for help were recorded in 2018 alone. Due to the stigma around domestic violence, it is unlikely that these numbers are a true representation of the number of people that have endured domestic violence.
Most unfortunately, children are the number one witnesses when it comes to domestic abuse cases. In fact, over 37% are witnessed by youngsters. These numbers are alarming as children are vulnerable at such a young age and will often become abusive adults themselves when exposed to such violence.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that domestic violence only affects those of a lower socioeconomic status. The fact is that regardless of sexual identity, race, age or even background, anyone may fall victim to domestic violence.
If you or someone you know has fallen prey to domestic violence, it is important to act in your best interests and get in touch with a local domestic violence attorney. We can help you get the justice you deserve, but it’s important to act with haste!
Call Vayman & Teitelbaum PC at (404) 390-2994 and talk to the Duluth domestic violence attorneys.
Domestic Violence Law in Georgia
Domestic or family violence is most easily described as an act of abuse or intimidation used to keep someone in line. It most often transpires between couples and family members.
In Georgia, domestic violence is identified as occurring between the following groups of people:
- Spouses or couples, including those divorced.
- The parents of a child, including step-parents and step-children.
- Persons residing in the same household.
Domestic violence can come in a myriad of forms. In fact, the signs aren’t just physical, but may include sexual, psychological, emotional or even financial abuse.
Most commonly, however, physical signs of domestic violence include: shoving, hitting, strangling, stalking, restraining, and cruelty.
Unfortunately, psychological symptoms of this form of abuse are often harder to pinpoint, but they can include acts such as: humiliation, threats of violence, intimidation, blame, and insults.
It is also common for victims of abuse to suffer isolation which is the forced separation from friends and family members. Lastly, stalking, which is unlawfully following someone without their consent, is also considered a form of domestic violence and is eligible for getting help from an Duluth domestic violence attorney.
Your Rights
Under Georgia law, those that are affected by domestic violence are provided certain rights, such as:
- Not being denied housing and not getting evicted.
- The tenant has the ability to terminate a housing contract based on abuse.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, it is possible to terminate a housing lease early without any kind of penalty. In order to do so, it is crucial to give the landlord a 30 day notice while also providing a forwarding address where the security deposit can easily be mailed. It is best to obtain proof of delivery when serving a landlord with this kind of notice.
In these instances, the landlord does not hold the right to charge an early termination fee and is required to process the application of the victim as if it were the last day available on their lease.
It is important to ensure that you’re being treated fairly and you’re well aware of your current rights. In order to ensure that everything goes smoothly in your favor, it is best to hire the help of a domestic violence attorney in your locality.
Protective Order
In Georgia, domestic violence cases are taken extremely seriously. Once official charges are filed on behalf of the victim, a Family Violence Protection Order is granted by the court. This order basically ensures that the victim doesn’t have any direct contact with the abuser for a certain amount of time. Anyone found in violation of the order faces extended criminal charges, and in some instances, jail time.
Under the Family Violence Protection Order, victims have a number of rights such as:
- The abuser must cut off contact with the victim.
- The victim may take possession of their dwelling and force the abuser out. This can be carried out with the help of local law enforcement once the necessary court order is obtained.
- If possible, the abuser may need to find alternative housing for the victim. It is also possible for the victim to receive assistance in collecting their personal effects from their household.
- Victims can receive temporary custody of their children and certain visitation rights are granted to the abuser.
- The abuser may need to pay spousal or child support if ordered by the court, and may also be required to undergo counseling sessions or face imprisonment if the order against them is violated.
Protective orders will usually only last up to 12 months. However, in rare instances, they may receive an extension of up to 3 years if the proper paperwork is filed with the court before the official date is up. However, an extension to the protective order is only granted through the courts directly.
It is important to present a strong case to the court and ensure that everything is handled in a fair and brisk manner. Hiring the help of an Duluth domestic violence attorney is the best way to ensure that you receive the representation that you deserve.
Legal Service You Can Trust
If you or a loved one have suffered the effects of domestic violence, don’t wait to call Vayman & Teitelbaum PC to get the help you deserve when it comes to filing your case.
Likewise, Vayman & Teitelbaum PC can also offer legal representation if you’re the one facing charges of domestic violence. Our attorneys have many years of experience and can provide adequate counsel to help you present your case in the best light possible to the courts.
Vayman & Teitelbaum PC can help you understand the process of filing protective orders, finding counseling and housing options, and educate you of your rights surrounding domestic violence disputes. Our team of licensed and trusted attorneys will fight for you every step of the way!
Consult Our Law Firm Now
If you or a loved one are involved in an abusive relationship, or if you feel you are wrongly accused of domestic violence, call Vayman & Teitelbaum PC for a Case Evaluation today. Our experienced Duluth domestic violence attorneys can help.
Call Vayman & Teitelbaum PC on (404) 390-2994 and let our experienced Duluth domestic violence attorneys help you now.