Illinois Family Lawyer Assisting Clients with Domestic Violence Cases

Domestic violence in Illinois happens much too frequently, and the laws surrounding domestic abuse can be complicated and overwhelming. Generally speaking, domestic violence laws fall under the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986 (750 ILCS 60/). Sometimes questions about domestic abuse arise during a divorce proceeding or child custody matter, but these legal and safety issues can also come up at any point at which allegations of violence are made.

At the law office of Demetrios N. Dalmares & Associates, we recognize the important role that an Illinois family law attorney can play in helping clients with domestic abuse cases. If you have questions about how protective orders work, or concerns related to domestic abuse and the allocation of parental responsibilities, an advocate at our firm can speak with you today.

How Does Illinois Law Define Domestic Abuse?

Illinois law defines domestic abuse as “physical abuse, harassment, intimidation of a dependent, interference with personal liberty or willful deprivation.” When violence occurs against family or household members, the victim may be able to obtain an Order of Protection. Family or household members include, but are not limited to the following:

• Spouses;
• Former spouses;
• Parents;
• Child;
• Stepchild;
• Persons related by blood;
• Persons related by present or prior marriage;
• Persons who share or formerly shared a dwelling; and
• Persons who have or formerly had a dating relationship.

Obtaining an Order of Protection in Illinois

If you have been the victim of domestic violence in Illinois, you may be able to obtain an order of protection, which is also known as a protective order or a restraining order. The Illinois Attorney General explains that orders of protection are court orders that can do any of the following:

• Prohibit an abuser from continuing to threaten or abuse the victim (which can include all of the types of abuse defined by the Illinois Domestic Violence Act of 1986, including physical abuse, harassment, intimidation, interference with personal liberty, or willful deprivation);
• Prohibit an abuser from entering a residence shared with the victim;
• Order the abuser to stay away from the victim and anyone else protected by the order (such as a child), which can include barring the abuser from the victim’s place of work, school, or another location;
• Require the abuser to attend counseling;
• Prohibit the abuser from hiding your child or taking the child out of state;
• Require the abuser to appear in court;
• Provide you with temporary physical possession of your child or temporary parental responsibilities;
• Specify the abuser’s parenting time rights;
• Require the abuser to pay child support;
• Require the abuser to repay you for losses associated with the abuse; and/or
• Require the abuser to turn over all weapons to a local law enforcement agency.

An experienced Illinois family violence attorney can help explain more about Orders of Protection and how they can help families in the state.

Contact an Illinois Domestic Abuse Lawyer

If you need help with a domestic violence case, an experienced Illinois domestic abuse lawyer can help you and your family. Contact the law office of Demetrios N. Dalmares & Associates, Ltd. to learn more about how we can assist you.