Are you worried about your safety or the safety of your children because of someone you once trusted? If so, you’re not alone. Domestic violence can take many forms, and the effects can be devastating. At Central Justice, we work with individuals across Florida who are ready to take legal action to protect themselves and their families. Whether you’re seeking a protective order, filing for divorce, or trying to ensure safe custody for your children, we’re here to help.

What Counts as Domestic Violence in Florida?

Florida law defines domestic violence broadly. It includes more than physical harm. You don’t need to be physically injured to qualify for protection under the law.

Acts of domestic violence may include:

  • Physical assault or battery
  • Emotional abuse or threats
  • Sexual violence
  • Stalking or harassment
  • Kidnapping or false imprisonment

These actions must occur between individuals who are related by blood or marriage, living together now or in the past, or who share a child together. If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, we can help clarify your options.

How to Get a Protective Order (Injunction for Protection)

If you’re facing threats or violence, you can ask the court for legal protection. This comes in the form of an “injunction for protection,” often called a restraining order.

There are two main types:

  • Temporary Injunctions, which offer immediate protection while the case is pending
  • Final Injunctions, which last longer and are issued after a court hearing

The judge can order the abuser to stay away from your home, your workplace, or your children’s school. They may also give you temporary custody of your children or order the abuser to surrender firearms. We’ll work with you to prepare the petition, gather evidence, and represent you in court.

Safe Custody Arrangements for Survivors

When domestic violence is involved, Florida courts take child safety very seriously. There’s a legal presumption that shared parental responsibility is not appropriate when one parent has committed violence.

We help our clients request custody arrangements that prioritize safety, such as:

Judges will consider the best interests of the child, including emotional well-being and past trauma. We will help present your case clearly and effectively.

Gathering and Preserving Evidence

Even if abuse happened behind closed doors, there are often ways to prove it. Preserving evidence can strengthen your case when seeking protection, custody, or divorce.

Helpful forms of evidence include:

  • Text messages, emails, or voicemails with threats
  • Police reports or incident logs
  • Medical records
  • Photos of injuries or property damage
  • Statements from witnesses or neighbors

We work closely with clients to organize and present this information in a way that supports their legal goals. You don’t need to collect everything at once—start with what you have.

Divorce and Domestic Violence

Leaving an abusive relationship can feel overwhelming, but legal protections are available to help you move forward.

When domestic violence is part of the picture, it can affect the outcome of a divorce, including:

  • Alimony
  • Property division
  • Custody of children
  • The use of the family home

We understand how to handle high-conflict divorce cases and will help you create a strategy that safeguards your future and your finances. You don’t have to stay in an unsafe marriage to protect what matters most.

Safety Planning During the Legal Process

Legal proceedings can be stressful—and dangerous—if an abusive partner reacts badly. That’s why we help clients build personalized safety plans from the start.

Your plan might include:

  • Finding a safe place to stay
  • Changing locks or phone numbers
  • Letting trusted friends know how to help
  • Keeping court paperwork in a secure location

We can also ask the court to keep your address confidential and ensure that any contact with the other party happens through attorneys or in structured environments.

Protecting Children from Abuse and Its Effects

Children often feel the effects of domestic violence, even when they aren’t directly harmed. Exposure to violence can affect their mental health, school performance, and relationships.

We work hard to help parents:

  • Protect children from further trauma
  • Secure safe custody arrangements
  • Access community support services if needed

Your child’s safety is as important to us as your own.

Contact Our Experienced Orlando Domestic Violence Attorneys

At Central Justice, we understand that taking action can feel intimidating. But you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you need immediate protection or are ready to move forward with divorce or custody changes, we will help you find the safest and most effective path forward. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.