Typical Domestic Violence Situations We Handle
As a domestic violence attorney in New Jersey, Steven Garfinkle helps both victims and the accused navigate restraining orders, criminal charges, and related family law issues.
You’ve been arrested and charged
You were arrested for a domestic violence incident and now face criminal charges. You need a domestic violence criminal defense attorney who can move quickly to protect your record, your freedom, and your future.
Your ex is threatening to move with your child
Your partner is using allegations of domestic violence to gain an advantage in child custody and parental rights. You need clear advice on how this affects custody and visitation.
You’re facing a restraining order
You’ve been served with a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and are unsure what to say or do. A restraining order lawyer can explain the process, represent you at hearings, and help you avoid mistakes that can hurt your case.
You need immediate protection from abuse
You are afraid for your safety or your children’s safety. Steven can help you obtain a Final Restraining Order and coordinate your domestic violence, divorce and custody issues so your rights are fully protected.
Focused Domestic Violence Representation For Victims and for the Accused
For victims
For victims of domestic violence
You’re dealing with fear, instability, and urgent safety concerns for yourself and your children. Steven helps victims:
- Obtain emergency and Final Restraining Orders
- Coordinate domestic violence cases with divorce, child custody and child support
- Develop a safety plan that protects you without escalating conflict
As your domestic violence attorney, Steven handles court appearances, negotiations, and communication with your abuser’s lawyer so you don’t have to face the process alone.
For those accused
For those accused of domestic violence
A single allegation can jeopardize your home, your job, and your relationship with your children. Steven defends clients who are:
Facing criminal domestic violence charges
Contesting Temporary or Final Restraining Orders
Protecting their custody and parenting time against false or exaggerated claims
Steven’s work as a domestic violence criminal defense lawyer is to challenge weak evidence, protect your rights at every hearing, and minimize long-term damage to your record and family life.
Types of Domestic Violence Cases We Handle
Restraining Order Hearings (TROs and FROs)
Steven represents both victims and defendants at Temporary and Final Restraining Order hearings. He prepares evidence, witness testimony, and legal arguments, so the judge clearly understands your situation and the impact on your safety or your rights.
Domestic Violence Criminal Defense
If you’ve been arrested for assault, harassment, threats, or any offense under the New Jersey Domestic Violence Act, Steven acts as your domestic violence criminal defense attorney. He analyzes the evidence, negotiates with prosecutors, and fights for dismissals, reductions, or alternative resolutions whenever possible.
Child Custody and Parental Rights
Domestic violence allegations can dramatically change child custody and parenting time. Steven helps parents navigate custody disputes, supervised visitation, relocation issues, and parenting plans when domestic violence is part of the story.
Contested Divorce Proceedings
When domestic violence overlaps with divorce, emotions and stakes are extremely high. Steven works as a domestic violence divorce attorney to align your restraining order, property division, support, and custody strategies so your long-term safety and financial stability are protected.
Our Process in Domestic Violence Cases
Free confidential consultation
You speak directly with an experienced domestic violence attorney in New Jersey, meeting with a client in a private, confidential setting. Steven listens to what happened, explains your options, and gives you clear next steps you can take immediately.
Case evaluation and strategy
Representation in court and negotiations
Steven prepares you for every hearing, appears with you in court, and negotiates with prosecutors and opposing counsel. His goal is to protect your rights, preserve your options, and avoid unnecessary escalation whenever possible.
Ongoing support and follow-up
Domestic violence cases can affect your life long after the first court date. Steven continues to advise you about child custody, support, and future enforcement issues so that each legal step fits into a long-term plan for your safety and stability.
What Makes Steven Different in Domestic Violence Cases
Justice
Steven fights relentlessly to protect your rights in domestic violence, divorce, and custody matters, ensuring the legal process leads to a fair and realistic outcome.
Experience
With decades of focused practice in New Jersey family and domestic violence law, Steven understands how criminal, restraining order, and family courts interact — and uses that to your advantage.
Clear communication
No legal jargon, no surprises. Steven explains what each hearing means, what the judge is likely looking for, and what you can realistically expect next.
Dedication
You work directly with your domestic violence attorney, not a junior associate. Steven personally prepares your case and appears with you in court.
Practical guidance
Beyond legal theory, Steven gives you practical advice on documentation, communication, and safety planning so you can make confident decisions in a crisis.
Domestic Violence FAQs
As soon as possible. Early advice from a domestic violence lawyer can shape what you say to the police, how you respond to a restraining order, and what steps you take to protect your safety or defend against allegations. Waiting can limit your options.
Do not contact the other party, even if you believe the order is unfair. Carefully read the order, follow every restriction, and contact a restraining order lawyer in New Jersey immediately. Steven can explain what the order means, how to gather evidence, and what to expect at your hearing.
Domestic violence allegations can influence where your children live, how much time you spend with them, and whether visits are supervised. Steven combines his work as a domestic violence and child custody attorney to protect both your safety and your relationship with your children.
Costs depend on the complexity of your case, the number of hearings, and whether criminal, restraining order, and family law issues are all involved. During your first consultation, Steven explains expected fees and offers a transparent plan for how your case will be handled.
Yes. In many cases it is best to have one domestic violence divorce attorney who understands how restraining orders affect property division, support, and parenting time. Steven coordinates all parts of your case so the strategy is consistent.
Talk to Steven About Your Domestic Violence Case
If you’re searching for a domestic violence attorney in New Jersey, you’re likely under intense pressure right now. Steven offers a confidential consultation to review your situation, explain your options, and outline a clear plan whether you are seeking protection or defending against allegations.
Use the form or call us now to speak directly with an experienced domestic violence lawyer.
Counties we serve
- Monmouth County
- Ocean County
- Middlesex County
- Burlington County
- Mercer County
- Atlantic County
- Cape May County