Domestic Violence Lawyers in Miami & Ft Lauderdale

Florida has enacted several laws intended to restrain violence between spouses and other family and household members.  A domestic violence victim, or someone who reasonably fears that he or she is in imminent danger of domestic violence, may apply for a temporary or permanent injunction to prevent the other spouse, family member, or household member from committing violent or abusive acts.  ''Domestic violence'' for purposes of obtaining an injunction includes any assault, battery, sexual assault or battery, stalking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, or other criminal act that results in a family or household member’s physical injury or death.  A spouse who has fled the domestic household to avoid further violence still has the right to obtain an injunction against the other spouse.  If a court finds that domestic violence occurred, it will establish whether, or under what circumstances, the abusive spouse may contact the victim; which party will have exclusive use of the parties’ residence; the temporary custody of the parties’ minor children; and whether either party must pay temporary child support or spousal support.