Orders of Protection

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.

Hear From Our Happy Clients

At Horton & Associates, LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    “I was extremely happy with the way everything was handled and the solution they reached.”
    “Overall, my favorite thing about that firm is how confident they were able to make me feel.”
    - Frankie W.
    “He goes above and beyond the call of an everyday attorney.”
    “Marshall Horton is a true professional and takes great pride in his work.”
    - Lisa H.
    “Top-notch lawyers that provide top-notch service”
    “Knowledgeable, friendly, and truly cares.”
    - John R.
    “I feel confident in his dependability. He's a great person to deal with.”
    “I would absolutely recommend him to my friends and family because he makes everything very easy to understand.”
    - Tracy W.
    “Top-notch and trustworthy to a fault.”
    “Very solid and well-respected lawyers in Beaufort County.”
    - Rich U.
    “My attorney at the Horton Law Firm always acts in a professional manner.”
    “When my attorney knew exactly what was happening and let me know every step of the way, I was ecstatic.”
    - Christopher W.
    “I was happy with working with them.”
    “He was able to continue to keep me informed on the progress of the case throughout the time I was gone.”
    - Jack S.
    “Horton Law Firm makes sure that I always have access to the information I need or the answers to my questions.”
    “The location is also super convenient. I am just very satisfied with this practice.”
    - Teri C.

Why Choose Horton & Associates, LLC?

  • Dozens of Years of Experience & Training As Litigation Attorneys
  • Well-Known & Very Involved In the Local Beaufort County Community
  • Broad Range of Legal Experience
  • Spanish Speaking Services Available
  • Maintains a Close Working Relationship With Numerous Law Firms in the Area
  • Broad Range of Legal Experience
  • Spanish Speaking Services Available
  • Maintains a Close Working Relationship With Numerous Law Firms in the Area