Domestic Violence

Filling out the forms will take approximately an hour and a half. The forms must be clearly and neatly written in a short concise summary of the events. The summary should include any violence and threats made against you, dates the events took place and any past incidents. If your request is granted, a temporary injunction will be issued which is in effect until the time of your court hearing. A full hearing is scheduled within 15 days with all parties appearing before the court. At the hearing the Judge will listen to the statements and evidence presented by both sides. Since this is a civil matter rather than a criminal, some of the issues covered may include the following:

• Who will reside at the parties’ residence?
• What contact, if any, will be allowed between the parties?
• Custody, child support, and visitation issues will be addressed if children are involved.
• Referrals to counseling, evaluations, or treatment might be made.
• The retrieval of personal and professional items by the offending party.
• Surrendering of weapons and ammunition to law enforcement.

Family-member domestic violence is governed by Florida Statutes section 741.28. Non-family-member domestic violence is governed by Florida Statutes section 784.046.