Phoenix Domestic Violence Lawyer
Protecting Your Rights and Safety in Arizona Family Law Cases
It is not uncommon that there is some level of domestic violence in a marriage or other domestic relationship. As addressed in more detail below, the definition of “domestic violence” is not limited to just physical force, but also threats of physical force, intimidation, certain forms of harassment, and other actions. If you are a victim of domestic violence, the Phoenix domestic violence attorneys at Bishop, Del Vecchio & Beeks Law Office, P.C. will be happy to discuss your options with you regarding obtaining an Order of Protection, Injunction Against Harassment, or other potential alternatives.
Speak with a Phoenix domestic violence attorney. Book online or call (602) 878-3133 to review protective orders and family law options.
How Domestic Violence Affects Divorce And Child Custody In Arizona
When there are allegations of domestic violence, every aspect of a family law case can become more complex and emotionally charged. Arizona law requires courts to consider whether domestic violence has occurred when making decisions about legal decision-making authority and parenting time. This can affect where the children live, how exchanges occur, and whether contact between parents must be limited or supervised. Understanding how these laws work in real-world situations helps you make decisions that protect both safety and important family relationships.
In Maricopa County Superior Court, judges may review police reports, medical records, prior protective orders, and witness testimony to determine whether there has been significant domestic violence or a pattern of abusive behavior. That finding can influence whether joint legal decision-making is appropriate, what kind of parenting schedule is reasonable, and whether safeguards—such as supervised exchanges at a neutral location—are needed. We take time to identify what evidence is available, what additional documentation might be helpful, and how best to present your history to the court so the judge has a clear and accurate picture of your circumstances.
Allegations of domestic violence can also affect temporary orders at the beginning of a case, which often set the tone for how matters unfold. When we meet with you, we discuss your goals for your children, your financial situation, and your safety concerns so we can develop a strategy that addresses all three. A domestic violence lawyer in Phoenix can help you weigh the potential consequences of requesting certain temporary restrictions, negotiate practical solutions when appropriate, and prepare you for hearings where the court will decide short-term and long-term parenting arrangements.
Contact The Phoenix Domestic Violence Attorneys at Bishop, Del Vecchio & Beeks Law Office Today
Bishop, Del Vecchio & Beeks Law Office, P.C. attorneys will be happy to discuss your options with you regarding obtaining an Order of Protection, Injunction Against Harassment, or other potential alternatives.
“Domestic Violence” is broadly defined by Arizona statutes. One does not necessarily have to prove physical violence to obtain an Order of Protection.
Some forms of “domestic violence” are obvious, i.e., striking another person. Other forms of domestic violence may not involve physical violence, but may involve verbal threats, harassment, stalking, and other actions.
In many Phoenix-area families, domestic violence allegations also intersect with divorce, legal separation, or custody disputes in the Maricopa County Superior Court. We can help you understand how an Order of Protection or Injunction Against Harassment may affect your ability to stay in the home, see your children, or communicate with the other party, so you are not surprised by the immediate and long-term consequences of the choices you make. When you meet with us, we take time to review your specific history, any prior police contacts, and pending family law cases so we can give you clear, practical advice that fits your situation. When appropriate, we also coordinate strategy across related matters so that what happens in a criminal or protective order case is considered in the broader context of your family’s future.
Because protective orders can be issued quickly—sometimes the same day a petition is filed—it is important to speak with a domestic violence lawyer in Phoenix as early as possible if you believe you are at risk or have already been served. We can explain what to expect at the initial hearing, what evidence is helpful to gather, and how the local courts typically handle requests for temporary and longer-term relief. Our goal is to help you feel prepared, supported, and informed at each step, whether you are seeking protection or responding to allegations.
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 602-878-3133 today!
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Justice and Municipal Court orders may be appealed to the Superior Court. Superior Court orders may be appealed to the Arizona Court Of Appeals. There are strict timelines that apply to such appeals. Generally, the higher courts addressing such appeals limit their review to whether the hearing was appropriately conducted and not whether somebody was telling the truth.
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All States within the United States are required to recognize a valid Order of Protection. If you relocate to or reside in a different state (or even if visiting for an extended period), you should contact and provide a copy of your Order of Protection to the law enforcement agency there, and make sure you fill out any forms required by the law enforcement agency.
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Although a violation of an Order of Protection may result in criminal proceedings filed against an offender, the media regularly report domestic violence incidents despite such orders. If you feel that the other person may violate the Order of Protection (or if he or she has violated such order), you should call the police and alert them. You should consider providing a copy of your Order of Protection to your employer, your apartment manager, your children’s school and other places you commonly frequent. You should also keep a copy of the Order Of Protection with you at all times. You should take whatever additional lawful measures possible to protect yourself and your loved ones. The State Of Arizona provides shelters and other services for victims of domestic violence.
The domestic violence that led to you obtaining an Order of Protection may also constitute a crime. Criminal enforcement mechanisms may be more effective than merely obtaining an Order of Protection. Thus, in addition to obtaining an Order of Protection, you should consider contacting the police and asking that charges be filed with regard to any domestic violence or violations of an Order of Protection.
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If the other party engaged in acts of domestic violence (or if the person “may” engage in such acts), you may request an Order Of Protection against the other party even if the other party has already obtained one against you.
In order to obtain your own Order of Protection, you will need to fill out and file your own independent Petition for Order to Protection. The evidentiary hearings on each of the parties’ respective Orders of Protection may be consolidated by the Court or may result in separate hearings.
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A plaintiff may voluntarily request that the Court dismiss or modify an Order of Protection he or she has obtained against another person. The plaintiff will need to go back to the Court that issued such order to make such request in person. The decision whether to modify or dismiss the Order of Protection is ultimately in the Court’s final discretion.
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