Navigating Divorce When
Safety Is at Stake
Divorce involving domestic violence presents uniquely complex legal and emotional challenges. Whether you are seeking a protective order or concerned about a violation, the family law attorneys at Bikel Rosenthal & Schanfield have the experience to guide you through this critical intersection of family law and personal safety.
We provide counsel to clients dealing with abuse, threats, or controlling behavior during divorce, as well as those facing allegations of domestic violence. Our team works to resolve domestic violence matters with discretion, clarity, and firm legal advocacy.
Protections Provided by Law
If you or your children are at risk, New York law offers various protections, including orders
of protection. Courts may issue an order of protection in response to allegations of:
- Threats or intimidation
- Stalking or harassment
- Physical or emotional abuse
- Child endangerment
- Assault
- Other forms of domestic violence (also known as Intimate Partner Violence)
Orders of protection can be obtained as part of a divorce proceeding in supreme court or filed independently in family court.
Various types of orders of protection may be applicable depending on your specific circumstances:
- Stay-Away Orders: Prohibit the respondent from coming near you, your home, workplace, or your child's school.
- Behavior-Specific Restrictions: Prohibit the specific actions (e.g., stalking, harrassing, threatening) that gave rise to the order.
- Firearms Restrictions: Require surrender of firearms or suspension of firearm licenses.
- Custody Protections: Address child safety conserns, including supervised visitation.
- Police Escort Orders: Allow law enforcement to accompany you to retrieve personal belongings.
Order of Protection Violations
If an order has been filed against you, the consequences of violating its terms can be severe. Whether intentional or not, a violation can affect your parental rights, access to marital property, and your standing in divorce or custody disputes.
At Bikel Rosenthal & Schanfield, we work closely with our clients to clarify the scope of protective orders, prepare legal defenses where allegations are unfounded, and help mitigate risks in ongoing litigation.
How Bikel Rosenthal & Schanfield Can Help
Our Manhattan-based family law attorneys have decades of experience pursuing and
challenging protective orders within the context of divorce.
Services we provide include:
- Strategically managing protective order proceedings alongside divorce litigation
- Representing clients in emergency and evidentiary hearings
- Guiding clients through high-conflict custody and property division issues where abuse or allegations of abuse are involved
- Drafting and responding to petitions
for orders of protection
The Bikel Rosenthal & Schanfield
Domestic Violence Clinic
Through our Domestic Violence Clinic, we provide pro bono legal services to a select number of low-income clients. Services include petition preparation, court representation, and assistance with relocation from unsafe environments. Due to limited capacity, all clinic applicants undergo a screening process.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.
Know Your Rights. Protect Yourself.
Download our free eBook, “Understanding Domestic Violence in New York,” to get the legal clarity, practical steps, and resources you need. Whether you're seeking protection, custody, or just the facts, empower yourself with information from top family law attorneys
We provide clear, confident guidance when safety, family, and
the law converge. To discuss your situation with a member of our
family law team in confidence, contact Bikel Rosenthal & Schanfield today.
Call 212.682.6222 or Connect Online