FAQs

A: Yes, you are able to request an order of protection in family court without filing criminal charges. If you can demonstrate the threats, harassment, or abuse, the judge has the power to grant restraining orders to limit your ex’s contact with you. This can include measures for no contact, limited communication, or orders instituted to keep them away from your home.

A: In arrangements involving shared custody, child support is usually based on both parents’ incomes and the time spent with the child. Even in cases where 50/50 custody is granted, the higher-earning parent may still owe support to make sure all financial needs are consistently met between households.

A: Legal separations enable spouses to live apart while remaining married, and they are often used for religious, financial, or personal reasons. Divorce, on the other hand, permanently ends the marriage, resolving matters including asset division, child custody, and support. The best choice between the two depends on your unique situation and long-term goals.

A: Courts always prioritize the best interests of the child. They do this by evaluating factors such as each parent's ability to provide a stable home, financial security, emotional bonds with the child, and any history of neglect or abuse. Judges may also take the child’s preferences into account as well – depending on their age and maturity.