Family Violence Attorneys Serving Collin, Dallas, and Denton Counties
Safety Notice:
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
For confidential support, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, available 24 hours a day.
Family violence takes many forms. Physical abuse, emotional abuse, threats, stalking, child endangerment, and dating violence all fall under its definition under Texas law. Whatever form it takes, you have legal options and you do not have to face this alone.
At Hanshaw Kennedy Hafen, we help individuals and families in Collin, Dallas, and Denton counties take the legal steps needed to protect themselves and their children. We move quickly, handle everything with complete confidentiality, and make sure you understand your options at every stage. If you need a protective order attorney in Frisco, TX, or a domestic violence attorney in Collin County, we are here to help.
Protective Orders in Texas
A protective order is a court-issued legal order that prohibits an abuser from contacting you, coming near your home or workplace, and in many cases, from possessing a firearm. Violating a protective order is a criminal offense in Texas.
There are three main types:
Emergency Protective Order
Issued by a magistrate at the time of an arrest for family violence, typically without a court hearing. It is automatic in certain cases and lasts between 31 and 91 days. If you need an emergency protective order in Texas, we can guide you through the process.
Temporary Ex Parte Protective Order
Can be obtained quickly, often within 24 to 48 hours, without the abuser being present at the hearing. It is issued when there is clear evidence of family violence and remains in effect until a full hearing is held, typically within 14 days.
Final Protective Order
Issued after a full court hearing where both parties can present evidence. A final protective order can last up to two years and in some cases longer. It can address contact restrictions, possession of the family home, firearms, and custody arrangements.
Our attorneys help you file for the appropriate type of protective order, prepare you for the hearing, and make sure the order is structured to give you the protection you need. Whether you need a restraining order attorney in North Dallas or a family violence and divorce attorney in Texas, we have the experience to protect your rights.
Family Violence and Divorce
When family violence is part of a divorce, it affects nearly every aspect of the case. Property division, spousal support, and especially child custody are all influenced by a history of abuse. Texas courts take family violence seriously, and the legal record you establish during the divorce process matters.
HKH handles divorces involving family violence with both legal strategy and genuine sensitivity to your safety. We work to secure protective measures early, document the history of abuse properly, and build a case that reflects the full picture of what you and your children have experienced.
Starting with the right attorney from the beginning of a divorce involving family violence significantly affects the outcome. Do not wait. Contact a family violence and divorce attorney in Texas today.
Family Violence and Child Custody
Texas courts consider family violence a serious factor in custody decisions. A history of abuse can result in supervised visitation for the offending parent, restrictions on overnight possession, requirements for treatment or counseling before custody rights are restored, and in severe cases, termination of parental rights.
If your child has been exposed to or threatened by family violence, document everything and contact an attorney immediately. The steps you take now will shape the custody outcome. Our family violence custody attorney in Frisco can help you protect your children.
If You Have Been Falsely Accused
False allegations of family violence do occur, and the consequences of an uncontested protective order or custody finding can be severe and long-lasting. If you have been falsely accused, you need experienced legal representation before any hearing takes place.
Our attorneys represent clients facing false allegations with the same care and thoroughness we bring to every case. We review the evidence, challenge unsupported claims, and make sure your side of the story is heard clearly in court. If you need a domestic abuse lawyer in Collin County, TX, we are ready to defend your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
You file an application with the district court in the county where you live or where the abuse occurred. For a temporary ex parte protective order, the process can move quickly, often within one to two days, without requiring the other party to be present. An attorney can help you file correctly, prepare your supporting documentation, and represent you at the hearing for a final protective order.
Yes. A protective order that involves a child can directly affect the custody arrangement, including restricting the other parent’s possession and access. Courts factor protective orders and underlying family violence findings into custody decisions. The existence of a protective order is relevant to both temporary orders during a divorce and the final custody arrangement.
Texas law includes threats of violence and certain forms of emotional abuse in its definition of family violence. Whether a protective order is available depends on the specific circumstances and evidence. An attorney can evaluate your situation and advise you on whether your circumstances meet the legal standard and how to document the pattern of behavior for the court.
Violating a protective order is a criminal offense in Texas. The first violation is typically a Class A misdemeanor, and subsequent violations or violations involving weapons are felonies. The violating party can be arrested without a warrant when law enforcement has probable cause to believe the order was violated. Contact law enforcement immediately and document the violation.
Resources
If you or someone you know needs immediate help, these resources are available:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline:1-800-799-7233 (available 24/7)
- National Domestic Texas Council on Family Violence: tcfv.org
- Genesis Women’s Shelter (Dallas):genesisshelter.org
- Collin County resources: collincountytx.gov (search Family Violence).
Our Services
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