Sycamore, IL Orders of Protection Lawyers

Experienced Attorneys for Protective Orders in Sycamore, Illinois

If you are the victim of domestic violence, it is understandable if you feel trapped in your situation, afraid of what will happen if you take action. An order of protection can provide you with immediate relief from an abuser, protecting you and your family from harassment and threats. However, getting a protective order will require you to make your case to a judge, and multiple court hearings may be necessary to determine what protections may be put in place.

A family law attorney in Sycamore can be an invaluable resource to help establish and enforce an order of protection. The lawyers at Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC have experience dealing with sensitive issues in family law matters, and we will handle your case with the utmost seriousness it deserves. We know just how much is at stake, and we will advocate for your well-being at every turn

Kinds of Protective Orders

There are multiple types of protective orders in Illinois, each representing a different stage of a hearing.

• Emergency Orders of Protection. This is your first line of defense against domestic violence. You can request emergency protections directly from a judge, and your testimony is the only proof required for approval. This order typically lasts two to three weeks.
• Interim Orders of Protection. If a hearing cannot be held before an emergency order of protection expires, an interim order may be put in place extending the original order, and it may stay in place for up to 30 days. This type of order is intended to cover the time needed for a hearing to be held.
• Plenary Orders of Protection. This is a full sanction issued at a judge's discretion after hearing testimony and evidence from both parties in court. A plenary order of protection can last for two years, but it may also be extended at subsequent hearings.

The hearing for a plenary order of protection entails a thorough investigation, and your claim should be backed up with any available evidence, including text messages, phone calls, witness testimony, photographs, and videos. This evidence may demonstrate repeated patterns of physical and/or verbal abuse, threats, or other behaviors constituting harassment. Our attorneys can assist in compiling the evidence for a hearing, and we can advocate for solutions that will provide the protection you need.

If your abuser does not attend a hearing for a plenary order of protection, your request for an order will most likely be granted automatically. A family law attorney can represent you during the hearing, making sure that the judge hears the full extent of your concerns. These proceedings can be intimidating and even traumatic, and it can be comforting to have a qualified advocate speak on your behalf.

What Does an Order of Protection Do?

An order of protection can bar your abuser from contacting you in any capacity, including:

• Verbal contact
• Written communications
• Wireless communications (cell phone calls or text messages)
• Physical contact
• Contact through an intermediary
• Non-verbal communications

Other remedies may also be used to prevent further acts of abuse and make sure you will have the resources you need. Temporary child custody orders may be issued until these matters can be addressed in family court. Child support payments or spousal support obligations may be established so that you will be able to meet your ongoing needs. You may also be allowed to maintain sole possession of certain property, such as your home or a vehicle. The abuser may also be required to receive counseling or take other steps to prevent abuse in the future.

The violation of any of the terms in an order of protection can be punished as a criminal offense with prison time, probation, and fines, among other punishments at a judge's discretion. If you are worried about your safety or the well-being of your family, our attorneys can help you take steps to enforce an order of protection while addressing any other legal concerns that may affect you.

Speak With a Sycamore, Illinois Order of Protection Attorney Today

If you or your family has suffered at the hands of an abuser, you have a right to seek an order of protection to prevent further harm and address your ongoing needs. A family law attorney in Sycamore can work with you to document evidence of abuse for a hearing, making a compelling argument for an order of protection. The lawyers at Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC have over 100 years of combined legal experience, and we bring our full knowledge of the law to every case. Call 630-665-7300 or contact us online for any inquiries about our family law services.