Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Lawyer Serving the Western Chicago Suburbs
What is domestic violence? What if I am falsely accused?
In Illinois, domestic abuse includes physical abuse such as hitting or shoving, as well as threats of violence. If you are a victim of domestic violence in a married or unmarried relationship, you can seek an order of protection against the abuser.
As a family law attorney and former public defender in DuPage County, I have extensive experience representing victims of domestic violence in the western Chicago suburbs, as well as people who are falsely accused of domestic violence.
I offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case. My law office is located across the street from the DuPage County Courthouse.
What Can I Do To Protect Myself as a Victim?
- You can obtain an emergency order of protection without notifying the other person. This order can last for up to 14 days.
- The protection order will be served on the other party and he or she will have an opportunity to respond to it. At a court hearing, the judge will listen to you and your spouse and determine if the order should be extended.
- Illinois courts are wary of using a protection order to force someone from their home during a divorce. Unless there is physical spousal abuse or battery, the courts are reluctant to evict someone.
- A protection order bars the other party from having any contact with you and can also award you exclusive possession of your home.
What if I Am Falsely Accused of Spousal Abuse?
If your spouse has an ex parte protection order (an order that you did not have a chance to respond to) against you, I can file a motion to vacate that order. If you were wrongfully thrown out of your house and prevented from seeing your children, I can file this motion on short notice and correct the situation.
A false accusation of domestic violence can have a devastating effect on your life, so don't delay in seeking out an experienced attorney if you have been falsely accused.
Free Consultation With an Experienced Lawyer
For a free initial consultation about your domestic violence case, contact me, attorney Terry Fawell. From my office in Wheaton, I serve clients in DuPage, Kane and Will counties.
