If you or a loved one is experiencing family violence, you’ll need to find a family violence lawyer. This process is not necessarily easy. Anyone who finds themselves in a family violence situation is going to be under substantial stress, and this can make it difficult to seek help. However, if you keep a few considerations in mind, you’ll be able to find the right family lawyer for you. With a professional lawyer by your side, you’ll be able to get the help you need to rediscover your safety and autonomy. Take the first step today — a happier future lies ahead of you.
What Is Family Violence?
In the eyes of the law, family violence is defined as any violent, threatening, coercive or controlling behaviour inflicted by one person onto a past or present loved one. Family violence can occur between past or present family members, domestic and intimate partners, and nonfamilial carers and their patients. This is according to the Family Violence Protection Act of 2008, which specifies that family or domestic violence can take many forms. Specifically, it can include physical, emotional, social, financial and technological abuse.
Physical abuse covers a range of actions, including the enactment or threat of physical violence, the withholding of sleep or warmth, damage to property, intentionally causing harm or death to a pet, and sexual abuse. Emotional abuse involves things such as name-calling, gaslighting, and repeated hurtful taunts or derogatory comments. Social abuse is about controlling an individual’s social activities and ability to keep connections with friends, family or community. In social abuse, the abuser deliberately creates a dynamic of unreasonable dependency, effectively isolating their victim. Financial abuse can mean taking complete control of income and assets, or depriving a person of basic necessities. Technological abuse refers to using technology as a means for control or stalking, and might include the use of tracking apps, the monitoring of messages, or hacking into personal accounts. Keep in mind that this is not a complete list as family violence is complex and often looks different from case to case.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Family Violence Lawyer
When choosing a family lawyer, it is highly advisable that you do not pick the first or cheapest one you can find. In order to have the best possible experience and achieve your desired outcome, there are several factors you should consider.
1. Do Their Areas of Expertise Align With Your Needs?
There are plenty of experienced and well-equipped lawyers across the country, but only some will specialise in areas relevant to your case. This is why it is so important to be selective rather than choose the first lawyer you come across. A lawyer that specialises in the relevant areas will be the most likely to get you your desired result. If you’re experiencing family violence, then a family violence lawyer is what you need. What’s more, it’s a good idea to consider the types of cases your prospective lawyer has handled in the past. If they have successfully dealt with several cases similar to your own, then you can be more confident that they are the correct individual to help you with your problem.
At Duffy & Simon, we specialise in several aspects of family law. This means that we can assist with everything from parenting arrangements to financial agreements. We utilise our long history of experience in family violence to provide advice on intervention orders and further safety measures for individuals and families.
2. Do They Help You Feel Comfortable?
The way you feel is incredibly important, particularly when it comes to dealing with family law. These cases are highly sensitive and often emotionally exhausting. As you cope with the legal and emotional ramifications of family law, you need to be taking care of yourself and prioritising your wellbeing. For this reason, we recommend taking the time to find a family lawyer that makes you feel at ease. You should feel comfortable opening up to them and sharing potentially sensitive aspects of your life. They need to take your wants and needs seriously, and be available when you need them. Depending on your circumstances, you might have to spend a substantial amount of time with your lawyer. Is this someone you feel comfortable spending a lot of time with? Remember that if you feel at any point that your lawyer isn’t treating you with respect, it is your right to walk away.
3. Are They Honest Yet Empathetic?
Balancing empathy with honesty is a crucial element of being a family lawyer. As we’ve established, you need to feel comfortable with your lawyer, as they could be a part of your life for a long time. To feel at ease with this person, they should show you the empathy you are due. This means that they will not judge you or invalidate your experiences, but rather listen to your story and really hear your concerns. At the same time, however, it is essential that they are honest with you about the realities of your case. Sugar-coating things or ignoring hard truths will not get you the results you desire. A good family lawyer will be honest with you about everything, while also considering your feelings when delivering difficult news.
Finding a Family Lawyer
When it comes to actually finding a family lawyer, it’s important to search for professionals who have a substantial history of success. With over 40 years of experience, the family lawyers at Duffy & Simon might be the perfect professionals for you. We are a team of extremely motivated and compassionate individuals who live to help people. We will provide you with the legal support and guidance necessary to achieve the best possible outcomes. Remember that no matter how difficult or complicated it might be to take legal action, your wellbeing will always be worth it. You and your family deserve to be safe.
To learn more about our services and how we can help, contact us today. If you believe you or a family member are in immediate danger, please contact the police.