Maine Attorneys for Sexual Abuse in Family Law Matters

Family law issues tend to be both legally and emotionally challenging. Family law includes divorce, the modification of divorce agreements, parental rights and responsibilities, child protective petitions, and child custody matters. For children born outside of marriage, Maine refers to such actions to determine rights as Parental Rights & Responsibilities cases.

Sexual abuse, unfortunately, can be a factor in family law cases. One parent can accuse the other of sexually abusing the children or stepchildren. Another parent might falsely accuse a parent based on heightened case of anxiety, or simply to gain a strategic advantage.

Family law matters involving sexual abuse make, normally, a stressful situation almost impossible to handle for most people. If you are facing a family law matter that involves allegations of sexual abuse, consult with the Maine family law attorneys at STEVE SMITH Trial Lawyers as soon as possible

Extensive Experience Handling Family Law Cases Involving Sexual Abuse

Attorney Steve Smith takes on the toughest custody cases, including those involving sexual abuse allegations. He has experience protecting children when their safety is at risk because of a parent, caretaker, or other family member. Because of his extensive criminal experience, he also defends parents unjustly accused of sexual abuse. He takes a supportive approach with clients and an aggressive approach in the courtroom.

Why You Need A Maine Divorce Attorney Who Understands Sexual Abuse Cases

Acts of domestic violence, including sexual abuse, may be taken into consideration when determining divorce agreements, including physical and legal custody of children (also known as parental rights and responsibilities), the division of marital property, and spousal support. We will fight to protect you at every step.

Obtaining a Protection Order

If your spouse is sexually abusive to you or your children, you can request a protective order from the court while your family law case is pending. These temporary restraining orders (TROs) ban the abusive spouse from contacting the victim, directly or indirectly.  Such orders can affect Second Amendment rights to possess firearms, financial payments, child custody, or attorney fees.

An order for Protection from Abuse can ban the abuser from contacting the victim for up to two years; such orders can be extended indefinitely.  

When served with a protection order, a defendant’s life can be severely disrupted. Conflict with your children, getting kicked out of your own home, payment of child support, spousal support, attorney fees are all an issue. Possession of a firearm for any purpose becomes a federal felony. Let the lawyers at STEVE SMITH Trial Lawyers guide you through this difficult process.

We Fight For Your Ideal Custody And Parental Rights Orders

Sexual abuse can directly affect your parental rights orders. Maine courts make child custody (also known as parental rights and responsibilities) determinations that are based on the “best interest” of the children, and some of the factors that are taken into consideration include:

• Each parent’s ability to provide the children with what they need
• Each parent’s overall mental and physical health
• Each parent’s relationship with the children
• Factors that the judge deems important in the case at hand

If you have been wrongfully accused of sexual abuse, we know how to guide you through the storm of competing criminal and family cases, DHHS investigations, and person stress. Steve has represented hundreds, if not thousands, of people accused of sexual crimes and parents who face the accusations as part of a family law case.

Discuss Your Case with an Experienced Maine Family Law Attorney Today

The trusted family law attorneys at STEVE SMITH Trial Lawyers in Augusta, Maine, recognize the gravity of family law matters involving sexual abuse. We are dedicated to fiercely protecting the legal and parental rights of clients like you. Our team of experienced lawyers and staff’s primary concern is getting you the best possible results. The outcome of your case is too important to leave to chance, so please do not put off contacting us for more information about what we can do to help you today.