Pearland Domestic Violence Lawyer

Helping Residents of Harris County & the Surrounding Areas Protect Themselves

Domestic violence is quite common, and it can have a significant impact on family law cases, from child custody issues to spousal support. Children who witness domestic violence are oftentimes profoundly affected and may need counseling or the assistance of mental health experts.

Note: The Texas Family Violence Resource Center can help you locate nearby programs or shelters for help. You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

The Dieye Firm is here to help you protect yourself and your family from the threat of and/or continuing domestic violence. Our Pearland domestic violence lawyers understand the severity of your situation and will aggressively protect your rights and best interests.

For an initial consultation, call our office today at (832) 299-1990.

What Is Domestic Violence?

According to section 71.002 of the Texas Family Code, domestic violence is defined as an act by a member of a family or household against another member of the family or house that is intended to result in:

• physical harm
• bodily injury
• assault
• sexual assault
• or it can be a threat that reasonably places the member in fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or sexual assault

It can also be defined as abuse by a member of a family or household toward any child of the family or household. The statute is understandably broader when it comes to the protection of a child. Dating violence is also domestic violence and it occurs when someone commits an act of violence against another person they have a continuing romantic or intimate relationship with.

Protective Orders

Texas courts will issue protective orders if they find that domestic violence has occurred and is likely to occur in the future. If there is evidence of a clear and present danger of family violence, then the court might enter what’s called a "temporary ex parte" order. This is done without notice to the other party or other household members and issued without a full hearing. Temporary ex parte orders are valid for up to 20 days.

Domestic Violence & Child Custody

In Texas, the presumption is that joint managing conservatorship is in the best interest of the child. However, when there is evidence of domestic violence, the court may deviate from that mandate. Additionally, if there is evidence that a child was the victim of violence, the court may limit a parent’s access to the child.

Domestic Violence & Divorce

Acts of cruelty are one of the grounds for divorce and if family violence is found, it can have a significant effect on the distribution of property and spousal maintenance. For example, if there has been family violence, then the party guilty of the acts could be liable for spousal support for a period of up to 5 years, no matter the length of the marriage. It can also affect the manner in which property is divided, particularly if the court finds that one party is at fault in the breakdown of the marriage.

Our Pearland Domestic Violence Lawyers Are Here to Help

The Dieye Law Firm stands ready to assist you throughout your legal process. We will prepare a case to protect your interests and advise you on all possible options and outcomes.

Call our office at (832) 299-1990 or complete our online contact form to speak with one of our skilled domestic violence lawyers.