What is in the Best Interest of the Child?
The question the judge will ask in every family law case involving children, especially where domestic violence is a concern, is "what's in the best interests of this child?" It is universally accepted that domestic violence exposes a child and his or her siblings to significant emotional and physical harm, and often overlaps with child abuse or neglect.
If there are children involved and your spouse, partner or other family member has alleged domestic violence against you, even if it's a false complaint, very few people will be thinking about your rights as a mother or father. The first thought in the judge's mind will be how to ensure that the child stays safe. That's why you need a Baltimore domestic violence charges defense attorney to represent you if you've been accused of domestic violence. Contact me at 443-701-4525 or toll free at 866-635-0623 for a free consultation.
Your Child's Welfare in Domestic Violence Cases
If you've been accused of domestic violence, the allegations against you could involve:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Neglect or maltreatment
- Psychological or emotional abuse
Domestic violence normally occurs between two spouses or partners, but can just as easily occur between father and daughter, mother and son. In fact, domestic violence law applies to any "domestic relationship." (And the law allows police officers to arrest anyone who abuses or batters another person who lives in the same household.) The law reflects the fact that domestic violence can occur in parental and sibling relationships - not just between spouses or partners.
When it comes to child welfare and domestic violence, the child faces the risk of "losing" his or her parent. Likewise, a mother or father who has been accused of domestic violence risks losing his or her child because domestic violence convictions will affect the outcome of child custody and visitation matters.
And the immediate possible consequences in child welfare cases is a court order to get out of your home, either temporarily or permanently, depending on the circumstances, as well as all of the other consequences of false complaints and/or convictions of domestic violence.
Give Me a Call
If you've been accused of domestic violence and you have children, contact me at 443-701-4525 or toll free at 866-635-0623 to discuss your options. Allegations of domestic violence, when it comes to the best interests of your child, will almost certainly play a role in the outcome of your case. You place yourself at a significant disadvantage without good legal representation.
