Are you dealing with abuse or harm from a partner, soon-to-be-ex, or any other party involved in your CA family law dispute? Whatever form the abuse may take, from intimidation to harassment or even physical or sexual abuse, you deserve safety and protection from said actions. The family law courts can provide legally-binding restrictions on guilty parties and you have the right to request this via a restraining order.

Today’s blog post is a quick look at restraining orders in CA, where we’ll discuss ways in which they can help keep you and your loved ones safe as you navigate your divorce or other family law matter.

Types of Restraining Orders

Note that in CA, there are four distinct types of restraining orders. These four types of restraining orders offer different protections and carry their own limitations as well. In short, the four types of restraining order available in CA are:

• Domestic violence restraining order: This is for situations where a close family member or member of the household is abusing you.
• Elder or dependent adult abuse restraining orders: These are meant to protect elderly people 65 years of age or older, or adults with specific mental or physical disabilities.
• Civil harassment restraining orders: This type of restraining order is for when someone is being harassed, stalked, abused, or threatened by someone who may not be as close as a family member or partner, etc.
• Workplace violence restraining orders: These work a bit differently, as they are designed for employers to implement when a person is being harassed or stalked in their place of work. 

Depending on the factors or circumstances at play, it’s important that you file for the correct type of restraining order to ensure swift and effective assistance from the CA family law courts.

What Kind of Protections Can a Restraining Order in CA Provide?

Each restraining order is designed to address specific circumstances, which gives the courts flexibility when it comes to the specific guidelines. A restraining order in CA can prohibit an abuser from engaging in actions such as:

• Reaching out to or contacting the victim
• Stalking or harassing in any public or private setting
• Any form of physical abuse or attack
• Sexual harassment or sexual assault
• Destruction of personal property that is either shared or belongs to the victim
• Any other actions that could be considered disturbing the peace

Restraining orders can also include stay-away provisions which require that a person stay a specific distance away from the petitioner at all times.  

Once implemented, a violation of any restraining order in CA carries serious criminal and civil consequences. Furthermore, anyone involved in the middle of a custody dispute or divorce proceedings runs the risk of losing parental rights or setting themselves up for an unfavorable outcome. Repeated violations can quickly become a serious crime. 

Consult a Family Law Attorney in CA Today

The protections that a restraining order provides can be instrumental in ensuring that you and your loved ones are safe during tumultuous divorce or family law proceedings. To learn more, and to get a plan of action going, we encourage you to reach out to us at the White Oak Law. Call us today to consult with our team of experienced and compassionate family law experts