Domestic violence is a very serious issue across the United States. No one should be made to feel fearful of a person with whom they are sharing a home, and everyone has the right to make their own decisions about their life.
The vast majority of domestic abuse claims are made honestly. Sometimes calls are made in the heat of a moment when the victim has become worried about what may happen next. Other claims are the result of months or years of psychological abuse.
However, a minority of domestic abuse claims, especially during a contested divorce or in a child custody battle, are made strategically. This can be due to the fact that the accuser believes that they have a better chance of gaining a preferable divorce settlement or winning the child custody battle if they accuse their divorcing spouse of domestic violence. If you have been falsely accused of domestic violence when going through a divorce, you should consider doing the following.
Stay calm and act with integrity
If you are unexpectedly served with an order of protection, it’s easy to become angry and infuriated, especially when you know that your divorcing spouse is acting strategically. However, you must not let these emotions get the better of you. Remain calm and have faith that the truth with prevail.
Understand the possible legal implications
Being served an order of protection can have far-reaching implications if you are currently going through a child custody battle. Any suggestion of abusive behavior could mean that the child custody courts do not want to grant you custody. That’s why it’s so important to clear your name.
Clear your name
You’ll need to act swiftly and effectively if you want to successfully clear your name after domestic abuse allegations. This will require that you have a thorough understanding of the law and that you tell your side of the story in front of the courts so that you are able to present a strong defense.
If you are worried about the implications that a domestic abuse accusation could have on child custody arrangements, you should take immediate action to understand the next steps you must take to have a chance of clearing your name.