Domestic Abuse:
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Spivak Law Firm handle cases involving domestic abuse?
- What is domestic abuse?
- How do courts view mental and emotional abuse?
- How does domestic abuse affect child custody?
- How does domestic abuse affect divorce?
- Does Spivak Law Firm help people accused of abuse?
- What resources exist for victims of domestic abuse?
Does Spivak Law Firm handle cases involving domestic abuse?
Yes. Spivak Law Firm has extensive experience handling family-law matters involving domestic abuse, including: child custody, divorce, Protection From Abuse (PFA), and Children Youth and Families (CYF). We also routinely handle domestic-violence cases in criminal court involving charges such as: assault, harassment, threats, and stalking. To schedule a consultation with a Pittsburgh attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
What is domestic abuse?
Under Pennsylvania’s criminal and Protection From Abuse (PFA) laws, domestic abuse is defined in broad terms. It may refer to physical violence or sexual violence against a family member. It may also refer to threats of violence, harassing behavior, stalking, reckless endangerment or false imprisonment. In child custody cases, it is common for parties to allege psychological control, mental abuse, and verbal abuse. For more information, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
How do courts view mental and emotional abuse?
Allegations of mental and emotional abuse may significantly impact child custody cases. Some family-court judges believe mental and emotional abuse have severe consequences, whereas other judges may downplay the effects of mental and emotional abuse, which cannot be used as a basis for a PFA or criminal action. For more information, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
How does domestic abuse affect child custody?
In a custody trial, the Court considers several factors when determining the custody schedule. One important factor, which may be more heavily weighted than others, is whether there is a history of domestic abuse in the family. Spivak Law Firm has extensive experience litigating child custody trials involving allegations of domestic abuse. To speak with a Pittsburgh child custody attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
How does domestic abuse affect divorce?
Evidence of domestic abuse minimally impacts divorce cases, as spouses no longer need to prove misconduct to obtain a divorce. Rather, a spouse must merely state that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Nonetheless, evidence of domestic abuse may prevent the perpetrator from obtaining alimony in some cases. To discuss your divorce matter, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Does Spivak Law Firm help people accused of abuse?
Yes. Spivak Law Firm has helped hundreds of people accused of domestic violence and child abuse. We provide strong, aggressive representation in all matters involving Protection From Abuse (PFA), criminal charges, and Children Youth and Families (CYF). We have extensive experience helping people accused of abuse assert their child-custody rights. Many of our clients were falsely accused. To speak with a Pittsburgh attorney, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
What resources exist for victims of domestic abuse?
Victims of domestic abuse should call the police in case of emergency. They may also obtain a Protection From Abuse (PFA) order restricting all contact with their abuser under threat of arrest. If there is a child involved, they may file a report of abuse with Allegheny County Children Youth and Families (CYF). There are women’s shelters, toll-free hotlines, and many other resources available for victims of domestic abuse. For more information, call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390.
Contact Our Pittsburgh Law Firm Today
Call Spivak Law Firm at (412) 344-4900 or toll free at (800) 545-9390. Our Pittsburgh office is open during normal business hours, as well as evenings and weekends by appointment.
Spivak Law Firm represents clients in Pittsburgh and all surrounding counties, including: Allegheny County, Beaver County, Butler County, Washington County and Westmoreland County. We accept cases in Armstrong County, Clarion County, Crawford County, Fayette County, Greene County, Indiana County, Lawrence County, Mercer County, Somerset County and Venango County.