FAQ Family Law

What is the difference between an agency adoption and an independent adoption? Under what circumstances will the court award alimony or spousal support? How is the amount of child support calculated? Once a court issues a child support order, can the amount of support that is paid be changed? How is child support collected if the person responsible for paying it moves to another state? What are parents' obligations to their children? How does a court decide which parent will get custody of a child? What is the legal divorce process like?

What kind of behavior is considered domestic violence?

What kind of behavior is considered domestic violence?

Domestic violence can take a number of forms, including:

• physical behavior (slapping, punching, pulling hair or shoving)
• forced or coerced sexual acts or behavior (unwanted fondling or intercourse, or sexual jokes and insults)
• threats (threatening to hit, harm or use a weapon)
• psychological abuse (attacks on self-esteem, attempts to control or limit another person's behavior, repeated insults or interrogation)
• stalking (following a person, appearing at a person's home or workplace, making repeated phone calls or leaving written messages), or
• cyberstalking (repeated online action or email that causes substantial emotional distress).

Typically, many kinds of abuse go on at the same time in a household.

Are TROs and emergency protective orders available only when the abuser is a spouse?

No, in most states, the victim of an abusive live-in lover can obtain a TRO or emergency protective order. In a few states, the victim of any adult relative, an abusive lover (non-live-in) or even a roommate can obtain such an order. To learn about your state's rule, contact a local crisis intervention center, social service organization or battered women's shelter.

Copyright 2005 Nolo

DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.

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