Domestic Violence & Protective Orders
Navigating Urgent & Sensitive Family Legal Matters
Domestic violence and threats to physical safety are the most urgent matters handled in family law. Whether you are seeking emergency legal protection to shield yourself and your children from harm, or facing false or exaggerated allegations during a high-conflict divorce or custody dispute, prompt and skilled legal representation is essential. At Canyons Law Group, we act quickly to protect your safety, your rights, and your relationship with your children.
We represent clients in civil protective order hearings, temporary restraining orders, and stalking injunctions in Utah District Courts, ensuring your voice is heard and your safety is secured.
Our Domestic Violence & Protective Order Services
We provide legal counsel and representation in these time-sensitive court matters:
- Cohabitant Protective Orders: Assisting victims of domestic abuse in securing emergency protective orders that restrict contact, evict abusers from shared homes, and establish temporary custody.
- Stalking Injunctions: Filing petitions to prevent repeated, unwanted contact or harassment from unrelated individuals that causes distress or fear.
- Defense Against Protective Orders: Representing individuals facing temporary protective orders. A protective order has serious consequences, including losing the right to enter your home or see your children. We defend you at the evidentiary hearing to prevent a permanent order based on false or exaggerated claims.
- Civil Restraining Orders: Seeking temporary restraining orders (TROs) to protect personal safety and prevent assets from being hidden or destroyed during divorce proceedings.
The Protective Order Process in Utah
When a petition for a protective order is filed in Utah, the court reviews it immediately. The process generally moves through these stages:
- Ex Parte Temporary Order: If the judge finds an immediate danger of abuse, they will issue a temporary order without notifying the respondent beforehand. This order takes effect as soon as it is served by a sheriff.
- Evidentiary Hearing: The court must schedule a full hearing (typically within 21 days) where both parties present evidence, call witnesses, and testify under oath.
- The Ruling: After hearing the evidence, the judge decides whether to dismiss the temporary order or issue a permanent protective order (which typically lasts for up to 3 years for civil provisions and has no expiration date for criminal provisions).