Protection from Abuse/Harassment Attorney in Maine

If you or your children are being subjected to abuse or harassment, it is important to know that you are not alone, and that help is available. Orders of protection can ban the abuser from contacting or being near you or your child. The Maine family law attorneys at STEVE SMITH Trial Lawyers can help you understand the process and requirements for obtaining protective orders. 

When the abusive or harassing behavior comes from a spouse or co-parent, issues of child custody and parental rights may also need to be addressed in court. It is vital to work with lawyers experienced in high-conflict, high-stakes family law cases.

Aggressive Protection in Family Court

In family law cases involving abuse, you need a supportive attorney who is never afraid to be aggressive in court. Look no further than attorney Steve Smith. With a history of successfully tackling tough cases, including sexual abuse matters, Steve never shies away from difficult issues like abuse or harassment. Our team has extensive courtroom experience that benefits every family law client we serve.

Protection from Abuse (PFA) – This protective order is meant to prevent abuse, including sexual abuse. PFAs may be issued against:

• Family members, household members, and current or former dating partners who abuse you as defined by the statute
• Anyone who stalks you, sexually assaults you, or forces or leads you into sex trafficking
• Anyone who misuses or threatens to misuse intimate images of you
• Family members or unpaid caretakers who abuse elderly patients

Protection from Harassment (PFH) – Orders of protection for harassment do not take the relationship of the accused and victim into account. Instead, they focus on a specific set of behaviors that constitute illegal harassment. This may include multiple acts of intimidation, actual or threatened confrontations, or property damage, among other things.

A judge may issue a temporary protective order right away if they feel it is necessary. Otherwise, a hearing will be scheduled to determine if the protective order will be granted.

A judge may issue a temporary protective order right away if they feel it is necessary. Otherwise, a hearing will be scheduled to determine if the protective order will be granted.

In either case, having an attorney helping you prepare and submit evidence of the abusive or harassing behavior can greatly increase your chances of success.

How Abuse and Harassment Can Affect Your Family Law Case

Orders of protection and family law matters often go hand-in-hand. If you or your children are in danger, or have been falsely accused of abuse, a knowledgeable Maine family law attorney with STEVE SMITH Trial Lawyers can help you protect your rights throughout a divorce or custody case. 

While most divorces in Maine are “no-fault,” meaning neither spouse is legally responsible for the breakdown of the marriage, the court also has the discretion to grant fault-based divorces. Although we generally recommend against fault-based divorces, they are possible for causes such as infidelity, abandonment, or abuse. One form of fault is cruel and abusive treatment. 

The court has the discretion to limit or even deny visitation with a parent who is guilty of domestic abuse.

Consult with an Experienced Maine Family Law Attorney Today

The dedicated family law attorneys at STEVE SMITH Trial Lawyers take great pride in skillfully advocating for the legal and parental rights of clients like you – in pursuit of the most favorable outcomes. To learn more, please don’t delay in reaching out and contacting us for more information today. No matter how complex your family law matter is, our attorneys can handle it.