Tacoma Divorce Attorneys and Domestic Violence Protection Orders

Unfortunately, domestic violence is a major problem for families in Washington State.  Tacoma divorce attorneys face the challenge of protecting their clients from violence every day by going to court and getting an Order of Protection preventing contact between a violence perpetrator and victims or potential victims.  Fortunately, the Washington legislature has recognized this problem and enacted law making it as easy as possible for domestic violence victims to get the protection they need. 

Under Washington State family law, which governs cases in Tacoma, a party who is in fear of his or her safety can get what is called an Ex Parte emergency order of protection.  This means that a temporary emergency order can be entered without the perpetrator—often referred to as “defendant” or “respondent”—being present.  Tacoma divorce attorneys are quite familiar with this process, as emotions run high in family law actions, often too high.  In order for this order to be in effect, however, the respondent will have to be served with the order, something law enforcement officials will do under the law, if the respondent can be located.  Further, a full hearing must be held within a legally prescribed time frame in order to give the respondent the chance to respond to the allegations.

While it is quite possible for a person to get an Order of Protection without an attorney, Tacoma divorce attorneys know the process well, and can be highly effective at getting orders in place.  Furthermore, if violence has already become a part of a relationship, divorce may not be far behind.  Before filing for an Order of Protection, consultation with one of McKinley Irvin’s Tacoma divorce attorneys may be advisable.  By all means, if you are in danger call 911 if necessary and go to the courthouse or police station where facilitators are available to you for help getting an Order of Protection.  However, the Tacoma divorce attorneys at McKinley Irvin can help you understand your legal options for your Protection order and beyond.  Our family law experts have more experience than most Tacoma divorce attorneys, and have handled hard cases involving domestic violence before.  Furthermore, McKinley Irvin Tacoma divorce attorneys are here to help and don’t scoff or judge.  We know that family life can find tough times, and we can help get you through it.