Redlands Domestic Violence Attorney

What To Do If You Are Unsafe

If you believe you or your children are in immediate danger, your safety comes first. You should contact law enforcement or emergency services right away and get to a safe place if you can. Legal advice is important, but it cannot replace emergency help in a crisis moment.

We also understand that many people in abusive situations have their phones, email, or movements monitored. When you reach out to our firm, you can let us know if you have special safety concerns and we will discuss ways to communicate that reduce risk, such as using a trusted person’s phone or arranging calls at safe times.

When it is safe to do so, gathering information can help you and your attorney present a clearer picture to the court. This might include saving messages, keeping a brief written record of incidents, and noting any witnesses. We recognize that documentation is not always possible, and we never expect perfection from clients who are trying simply to get through each day.

If you feel unsafe, you may want to consider these steps when possible:

• Calling 911 if there is immediate danger to you or your children.
• Staying with a trusted person or contacting a shelter or hotline for short term safety planning.
• Preserving texts, emails, voicemails, or photos that show threats, injuries, or property damage.
• Keeping important documents, such as identification and court papers, in a secure place.
• Contacting our office from a safe location to discuss legal protections and next steps.

When you speak with us, we start by listening. We ask about your history, your children, and your goals, then we talk about realistic legal options. Our conversations are confidential, and our role is to support you in making informed choices, not to pressure you into any particular path.

How Domestic Violence Affects Family Law

Domestic violence issues rarely stay separate from other family law questions. In California, judges generally consider abuse when deciding child custody and visitation, spousal support, and sometimes property division. Understanding these connections can help you avoid surprises and plan for the long term.

In custody cases, the court’s main focus is the health, safety, and welfare of the children. Documented domestic violence can strongly influence residential schedules and decision making authority. In some situations, California law creates a presumption that joint custody is not in the child’s best interests when a parent has a recent finding of domestic violence.

For survivors, this can provide an important layer of protection. For those accused, it can feel frightening and unfair, especially when events are more complicated than a simple label suggests. Our role is to help the court see the full context and to present evidence in an organized way, whether you are seeking protection or defending your relationship with your children.

Domestic violence findings can also affect spousal support and some financial arrangements. Courts may limit or deny support in certain circumstances when a spouse has been found to have committed domestic violence, although outcomes depend heavily on the facts and on the evidence presented.