Domestic Violence

A Final Restraining Order (FRO) carries serious implications when awarded in an FV matter. FROs can be awarded following the obtaining of a temporary restraining order (TRO) from a Municipal or Superior Court Judge and completion of an FRO hearing before a Superior Court Judge.

For the Plaintiff, an FRO can offer protections from the stalking, harassment, or abuse perpetrated by the other party. Often, litigants may find it hard to speak up against their abuser while standing a few feet away before a Judge.

Conversely, having an FRO entered against you can cause serious problems beyond having no contact with the other party. For instance, an FRO can cause loss of employment, requirement to surrender all firearms, loss of housing if you lived with the FRO holder, complications with parenting time if the parties have children, and potential jail time if the FRO is continuously violated.

Furthermore, while FROs used to require a domestic relationship between the parties, the Victim’s Assistance and Survivor’s Protection Act (VASPA) makes it possible for a FRO to be entered between friends, neighbors, and even acquaintances.

Therefore, whether you are seeking the protection of an FRO or attempting to prevent one from being entered against you, proper representation is key. For more information or to discuss your options, call the Law Office of Gregory C. Dibsie at (856)-227-4025.