Columbia, MD Domestic Violence Lawyer

Compassionate Attorney for Domestic Violence Cases in Columbia, Maryland

Domestic violence often occurs behind closed doors, away from witnesses or law enforcement. If you have been subject to abuse within your household, you should know that you can take legal action for your own protection. A Columbia, MD domestic violence lawyer can explore your options to put an end to the abusive behaviors.

At DM Family Law, we provide all of our clients with compassionate, strong representation for a variety of sensitive family law issues. Our attorney can meet with you one-on-one to discuss your best course of action, taking your unique family situation into account. When you work with our firm, you can rest assured that your case will be treated with the attention it deserves.

What Qualifies as Domestic Violence in Maryland?

Domestic violence can take forms other than just physical abuse. In Maryland, the legal definition of abuse includes:

• Acts that cause serious injuries
• Acts that place "a person eligible for relief" in fear of serious injury
• Any kind of assault
• Rape or certain sexual offenses, as well as attempted rape and sexual offenses
• False imprisonment
• Stalking
• Revenge porn

Under state law, a "person eligible for relief" includes family or household members who have been subject to abuse, including co-parents and romantic partners.

If you are a person eligible for relief who has suffered domestic abuse, you could be eligible for a protective order. A Columbia, Maryland family law attorney can review your case and help you seek relief from your abuser to the fullest extent of the law.

Will Domestic Violence Affect My Divorce?

If you are going through a divorce with an abusive spouse, the violence and harm that you have suffered can be acknowledged in the final decree.

When two spouses cannot agree on how to divide up their marital property, the courts will allocate that property according to what is fair and equitable. A judge may consider multiple factors, including the "circumstances (...) which contributed to the estrangement of the parties," which can account for marital misconduct. If you were subject to domestic violence during your marriage, you could be awarded with a greater share of property. The same principle also applies to alimony, whether you are requesting support or being asked to pay for it.

It is important to back up allegations of domestic violence with solid facts. At DM Family Law, we can help you document and compile evidence of abuse to support your case.

Does Domestic Violence Affect Child Custody?

Evidence of domestic violence can play a significant role during child custody proceedings. In child custody cases, the court's first concern will always be the child's best interests. When considering each parent's fitness, the courts will review any past history of abuse in the household, even if it was not directed at your child. If your co-parent is deemed unfit to parent based on a history of past abuse, you could be awarded with sole custody.

At DM Family Law, we understand how important it is for a child to grow up in a safe household. When you work with our firm, we will make an aggressive case for a parenting arrangement that does not put you or your child at risk of continued harm.

Meet With a Columbia Domestic Violence Attorney

At DM Family Law, we can help you seek appropriate relief from domestic violence. Our attorney has over two decades of relevant experience in family law, so you can rest assured that your case will be handled by a qualified legal professional. To schedule a free initial consultation with our Columbia, MD domestic violence lawyer, call our offices at 443-545-8100 or contact our Columbia, MD domestic violence lawyer today.