Advocating For Your Safety
When you are fearing for your safety, it can feel like you have nowhere to turn. The team at Reed Law Group, P.C., has worked with clients throughout Michigan who are facing these difficult circumstances. Attorney Steven Reed will do everything he can to protect you, your rights and your best interests. You do not have to go through this situation alone. Attorney Reed is here to help.
Over 30 Years Of Combined Experience Helping Clients
Attorney Reed will do everything he can to advocate for you. Every domestic violence case is different. There is no one way abusers work. Because of this, you need a lawyer who can tailor solutions to your specific needs. His experience includes, but is not limited to, helping those facing the following issues:
- Stalking
- Assault, battery and molestation
- Threats to do harm or even cause death
- The removal of a child from your home without permission
- Trespassing at either your home or your workplace
- Repeated calls and e-mails
- Verbal abuse of you or your child
- Rape or other sexual crimes
- The violation of a court order regarding your child
As this list shows, domestic abuse does not have to be overtly violent. Even the threat of violence constitutes abuse. Victims of domestic abuse can be spouses, people in live-in relationships, children, former dating partners and others in a household. When you need a way out, trust a legal team that cares about its clients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Violence In Michigan
If you are facing the breakdown of a relationship involving abuse, understanding Michigan’s specific legal protections is critical for your safety and your case strategy. This section addresses common concerns regarding domestic violence laws in Michigan.
What is considered domestic violence in Michigan?
Michigan law defines domestic violence broadly to include causing harm to a household member, as well as placing them in fear of such harm. This definition encompasses not only physical assault and battery but also stalking, threatening behavior and intimidation between spouses, dating partners or co-parents.
How do I get an emergency PPO in Ann Arbor?
To obtain an emergency “ex parte” Personal Protection Order in Washtenaw County, you must file a petition with the Circuit Court detailing specific incidents of abuse. You need to explain why you need immediate protection without a prior hearing.
If the judge grants the order based on your written evidence, it becomes effective immediately. The respondent has the right to request a hearing later to modify or terminate it.
How will domestic violence impact my divorce/family law case?
Domestic violence is a mandatory factor that judges must weigh when determining the “best interests of the child.” If this is a factor in a divorce case, it can result in restricted or supervised parenting time for the abusive party. Additionally, while Michigan is a no-fault divorce state, courts may consider this issue when deciding on the division of property and assets.
What if I kept my child away from the other parent for safety? Will the court view that as “parental alienation?”
Michigan law generally provides a legal defense for keeping a child from the other parent. However, you must prove that you kept your child away to protect them from an immediate and actual threat of physical or mental harm.
Unlike parental alienation, which seeks to damage the child’s relationship with the other parent, “protective gatekeeping” is viewed differently by the courts. You just need to show evidence that the safety risk was genuine and immediate.
Don’t Wait – Call Now
Attorney Steven Reed is ready to help you as soon as you give him a call. He also worked with professionals throughout the community who can help you get back on your feet. Contact his office at Ann Arbor today at 734-430-8001 or email him by clicking here.