Know the Law

Trying to understand the law may sound intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be. With the help of the attorneys at FVLC, you will come to understand how the law protects you and your children.

To help you get started, we have put together a list of commonly used legal terms, explanations of court orders, and information on how to file for a restraining order. This legal primer also explains how child custody and family court services work.

Common Legal Terms

Unless you have worked in the legal field, you are probably unfamiliar with the legal terms used in domestic violence cases. Understanding these terms will help you to feel more comfortable as you work your way through the legal system. These terms are generally used when referring to a domestic violence restraining order. Other terms are used in family law or other types of civil or criminal cases. 
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Restraining Orders

Obtaining a restraining order can seem intimidating, but there are resources available to assist you. As a first step, it is important to understand what is involved. There are several different types of restraining orders for different circumstances.
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Child Custody & Visitation

Under California law, there are two types of custody -  legal custody and physical custody. Legal Custody refers to the right and responsibility of the parent(s) to make decisions for the child regarding health, education, religion, etc. Physical Custody refers to the parent with whom the child lives. Custody matters will be mediated when domestic violence is part of the equation. 
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  • Disclaimer:This web site provides general legal information to help people understand domestic violence, but is not a substitute for legal advice from an attorney. The information provided here does not constitute legal advice, nor does reading, downloading or otherwise using this site constitute an attorney-client relationship.