Respected Family Law Attorneys Handling Divorce Involving Domestic Violence

Allegations of domestic violence have a dramatic impact on almost all issues associated with divorce. From child custody and spousal support to the division of marital property, the courts tend to favor the interests of the abused spouse over those of the abuser. At Lonich & Patton, LLP in San Jose, California, we have significant experience in handling divorce litigation in cases involving domestic violence.

Experienced Domestic Violence Lawyer

We recognize that domestic violence is a serious issue. There are more than 200,000 reports of domestic violence in California every year. Also troubling are the number of false allegations of domestic violence made to gain the upper hand in a divorce dispute. While we are ready to act quickly and decisively to obtain restraining orders for victims of domestic violence, we are also prepared to defend clients against false domestic violence claims.

Determining the validity of a domestic violence charge is complex. Our attorneys examine police records, hospital records, paramedic records and court records to discern whether or not there is a history of violence in the family.

What Constitutes Domestic Violence?

California has a broad definition of domestic violence. It involves "intentionally or recklessly to cause or attempt to cause bodily injury, or sexual assault, or to place a person in reasonable apprehension of imminent serious bodily injury to that person or to another." Domestic violence can include:

• Physical violence by a husband or wife, assault or battery
• Child abuse
• Stalking
• Sexual abuse
• A serious threat of physical violence
• Harassing and annoying phone calls
• Destruction of personal property
• Harassment of a new spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend
• Drop-by visits to children in schools or playmates' houses
• Emotional damage to a child

Regardless of the form spousal abuse takes, we are dedicated to helping protect victims. We can seek protective orders to help prevent our clients from being further victimized. Likewise, we can aggressively defend clients falsely accused of domestic violence.

Contact Our San Jose Lawyers for Help in Your Domestic Violence Case

If you have been victimized by spousal abuse or a false claim of domestic violence, please contact Lonich & Patton, LLP for a free initial consultation. Our attorneys can be reached by phone at (408) 553-0801 or through the intake form on our Contact Us page.