Restraining Orders for:
Harassment
Domestic Abuse
Restraining Orders are generally civil matters handled through the Family Court Division at most county courthouses.
A Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) can be obtained in many different situations; however, the majority involve parties in existing or past relationships, such as domestic incidents or disputes between family members or ex-lovers.
Restraining Orders, whether or not they include allegations of domestic abuse, are a serious matter, not only because they potentially involve the personal safety of one or more parties, but because they also impact the reputation of the defendant.
Additionally, an increasing number of family law actions arise from or involve allegations of domestic abuse. Effective representation in domestic abuse cases can therefore play an important role in negotiating other related actions, such as a divorce or child custody action. Once a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is in place, it can become a central theme in an opposing party's claims that you should be denied placement and other parental rights, for example.
Unlike many other legal matters, if you are the victim of domestic abuse or the victim of an unfounded allegation of domestic abuse, there is usually less time to proceed than in many other legal procedures. This is in part because, in the Wisconsin Circuit Courts, there is a limited period of time in which to potentially request further review (a “de novo” review) of a restraining order once it has been initially granted and also because there are practical limitations in alleging domestic abuse if significant time has passed after the alleged incident.
Restraining Orders can have serious long-term implications. Even if a Restraining Order is not awarded, in many cases the case itself, along with the defendant's name, become public record. Among other things, a defendant's ability to gain or maintain employment can be severely affected as a result.
Whether you are seeking or defending a Restraining Order it is important that you get guidance from a lawyer as early as possible.
Attorney Jody Usow has significant experience representing parties on both sides of Restraining Order and domestic abuse cases.
To discuss your legal rights and the options available to you in a Restraining Order or domestic abuse matter, contact an Attorney at (414) 961-9500.