This is the first post in a series of articles that will address seeking protective orders in Melbourne, Florida. If you are a victim of stalking, harassment or domestic violence, and fear for your safety, you may ask a Florida court to issue an order protecting you from the threatening person. Unfortunately, victims of these types of behaviors are not sure how to respond to the threats. Very often victims do not file for a protective order in a timely manner or take matters into their own hands rather than seeking legal protection. The goal of this series is to provide information about the process to obtain a temporary or extended protective order from a Florida court. If you or someone you love need assistance, contact our office today to speak to a lawyer.
This series will discuss the following topics:
- Filing for a temporary protective order (TPO) immediately after a threat
- The need to file for a TPO instead of engaging in self-help
- Presenting a TPO request to the court
- Ensuring one’s safety after a TPO is issued
It is important to understand these points for a variety of reasons. First, TPOs are issued in cases where the victim can demonstrate to the court that they are legitimately afraid of the adverse party. The applicant must present evidence that there is a credible threat of danger. Failing to file for a TPO is a timely manner may weaken the claim that a threat is imminent. Second, attempting to handle the matter on one’s own rather than through the proper legal channels is unwise. Self-help will not provide the same level of deterrence as a TPO and may result in charges against the victim depending on the type of actions taken. Third, it is important to understand what types of information a court will require in order to issue a protective order. Finally, the victim should be aware of how to enforce the protective order to ensure their ongoing safety.
No one should have to live in fear for their safety. If you need assistance in seeking a TPO, contact our office today to speak to a Melbourne attorney. Our office is also dedicated to representing clients in the cities of Titusville, Cocoa, Palm Bay, Grant, Valkaria, and Rockledge, as well as in the Indian River County areas of Fellsmere, Sebastian, Vero Beach, Indian River Shores, and Orchid.