Bluffton Orders of Protection Attorneys

Protecting the Rights of Victims and Families in South Carolina

Whether you are a victim or a family member of a victim, it is important to understand your options and rights in seeking an order of protection. An order of protection is a court order that limits or prohibits certain behavior by a person who has been found to have committed family violence.

The family law lawyers at Horton & Associates, LLC are knowledgeable about the procedures and requirements for obtaining an order of protection and can provide you with skilled legal representation if you are dealing with this matter.

Contact us online or call (843) 420-1344 to speak to an experienced Bluffton orders of protection attorney today.

What Is an Order of Protection?

An order of protection is a type of restraining order that is issued by a court to protect someone from family violence. An order of protection can be issued in a divorce case or in a case involving child custody or child support. An order of protection can also be issued in a case where there is a threat to commit family violence.

Orders of protection can be issued in two types of cases:

• Civil cases – These cases involve family violence but do not involve a criminal charge.
• Criminal cases – These cases involve a person who has been charged with a crime for committing family violence.

How Do I Get an Order of Protection?

There are specific procedures that must be followed in order to obtain an order of protection. It is important to have an experienced family law attorney who is knowledgeable about the family court procedure to help you navigate the process.

To obtain an order of protection, you must file a petition with the family court and include:

• Information about the relationship between you and the person you are asking the court to order protection against.
• Information about the abuse that gives rise to the request for an order of protection.
• Information about any witnesses to the abuse.

Types of Orders of Protection

There are three types of orders of protection:

• Temporary orders of protection – Temporary orders of protection are issued at the time a petition for an order of protection is filed. A temporary order of protection is in effect for 15 days and can be extended for up to two years.
• Interim orders of protection – The court can issue an interim order of protection while the case is pending. An interim order of protection is in effect until a final order of protection is issued.
• Final orders of protection – These orders of protection are issued by the family court after a hearing. A final order of protection is in effect for two years.

An order of protection may include any of the following:

• Prohibiting the abuser from contacting the victim in any way.
• Prohibiting the abuser from going near the victim's home or workplace.
• Ordering the abuser to move out of the home.
• Ordering the abuser to surrender any firearms in his or her possession.
• Ordering the abuser to pay support for a child.

An order of protection does not affect a person's right to own or possess a firearm if he or she is not the subject of an order of protection.

Contact Our Bluffton Orders of Protection Attorneys

If you are involved in a case where you need to obtain an order of protection, it is important to have a skilled family law attorney who is knowledgeable about the family court procedure to help you navigate the process. At Horton & Associates, LLC, our family law attorneys can provide you with the skilled legal representation you need.

Contact us online or call (843) 420-1344 to speak to an experienced Bluffton family law attorney today.