Domestic violence can impact its victims in many ways: emotionally, physically, financially, and legally. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) reports that over 10 million adults experience domestic violence annually. For victims of domestic violence or abuse, it can be difficult for parties to leave and receive the help and protection they need.
What
If you’ve suffered sustained abuse or harassment, it’s in your best interest to take legal action. Multiple options are available in Minnesota, including orders for protection and harassment restraining orders. These decrees restrict access to victims of harassment, allowing them to feel safer and more secure. The relief provided by such measures can differ dramatically,
The state of Minnesota provides two excellent options for addressing harassment: orders for protection and harassment restraining orders. Although similar in many respects, these orders hold several key differences, which tend to prompt confusion among petitioners. Many of these distinctions involve the following eligibility standards:
Petitioner Relationship
Depending on the type of order sought by
From domestic violence to stranger-induced assault, a variety of encounters leave Minnesotans fearing for their safety. Thankfully, the state offers several countermeasures designed to restore security. Two main opportunities for victims: orders for protection and harassment restraining orders. Although similar in many respects, these options hold several key differences, as outlined below:
Order for
The Family Law Show returns, with a summary of the issues involved in obtaining, or defending against, an Order for Protection or Harassment Restraining Order.
The conduct giving rise to either Order may impact litigants in three types of cases: a civil case, a family case and a criminal case – often concurrently
Acts of domestic abuse that occur during a marriage can have a substantial impact on custody proceedings. A finding of domestic abuse can prohibit parties from sharing joint physical custody of their children.
Minnesota’s Domestic Abuse Act is contained within Minnesota Statutes Section 518B. It defines domestic abuse as “physical harm, bodily injury, assault,
A host of implications follow the issuance of an Order for Protection in Minnesota when a marital dissolution action is pending or will be filed:
Marriage dissolution petition. A petition for dissolution of marriage or legal separation must allege whether an OFP that governs the parties or a party and a minor child of the
The violaton of an Order for Protection in Minnesota can yield a number of penalties for those who are found to have done so, including criminal penalties, civil contempt and firearm possession implications.
Criminal penalties. Minnesota law provides misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, and felony penalties for a violation of an OFP issued under the Domestic