Domestic Violence

South Jersey Family Law Attorneys

The New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act is intended to provide victims of domestic violence the maximum protection from abuse that the law can provide. The act protects anyone who has been subjected to violence from spouses, former spouses, and any other family members. Victims include anyone who is:

• Over 18 years of age
• Is an emancipated minor
• Has a child in common with the abuser
• Is pregnant by the abuser and the pregnancy is carried to term
• Is in a dating relationship with the abuser

Domestic violence covers a wide range of abusive behavior, including terroristic threats, kidnapping, criminal restraint, false imprisonment, sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, lewdness, criminal mischief, burglary, criminal trespass, harassment, and stalking.

If a law enforcement officer responding to an incident of domestic violence in Burlington County finds probable cause to believe that an incident of domestic violence has occurred, the officer must arrest the abuser.

There are sixteen different types of relief or protection orders that the court may impose upon the defendant. A violation of any of these orders is considered contempt. Any person convicted of a second or more contempt offense will serve a minimum of 30 days in jail.

If you are victim of domestic violence, our lawyers can help you obtain a restraining order against your spouse. To schedule a consultation, contact New Jersey domestic violence attorneys Christopher Musulin and Colleen McGuigan. With office in Mount Holly, we serve clients throughout South Jersey.

Your Domestic Violence Attorneys

Christopher Musulin is a fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the author of numerous books and articles on divorce and domestic violence.

Colleen A. McGuigan is a member of the Burlington County Bar Association and the New Jersey Bar Association.