Domestic Abuse

You will need an experienced Minnesota attorney

Whether you are a victim or have been accused of domestic abuse, experienced counsel is vital. As part of our family law practice the attorneys at the Minneapolis, MN law offices of Katz, Manka, Ltd. are skilled at:

• Protecting victims of abuse and domestic violence
• Defending those accused of abuse

We cannot emphasize enough how important it is to have skilled counsel by your side.

• If you are a victim, let us help make sure you and your children are safe and protected.
• If you are accused, you are entitled to have your rights protected and your side of the situation fully explained.

Domestic abuse under Minnesota law

Domestic abuse occurs when a family member attempts to physically or psychologically dominate or harm the other, through direct physical assault or through the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury or assault.

In Minnesota, family or household members are defined as:

Domestic violence knows no boundaries. It occurs in all cultures, races, ethnicities, religions, classes and regardless of gender.

Awareness and documentation of domestic violence differs from state to state, county to county and city to city in Minnesota. Unfortunately, only about a third of cases of domestic violence are actually reported in the United States.

A predictable series of actions

Many victims experience similar patterns of control, isolation and abuse. This pattern includes:

• Ever-increasing tensions culminating in threats and physical violence
• Follow-up with apologies, gifts, promises of change and forgiveness

The cycle then repeats itself. Often victims are ashamed to report the abuse, and abusers will attempt to isolate the victims, cutting them off from family and friends.

Minnesota law provides for swift and extraordinary relief to protect victims

Minnesota aims at quickly providing relief to victims of domestic abuse. A person who has been physically hurt or threatened with harm may obtain, without notice to the other party, an ex parte Order for Protection.

If signed by a judge it will direct the sheriff of the county issuing the order to immediately remove the alleged abuser from the home. The ex parte Order for Protection may also provide for temporary custody of the children. Once the ex parte Order for Protection is signed a hearing is quickly held where evidence is heard.

If the Court finds that domestic abuse has occurred, an Order for Protection is issued, valid for up to a year and occasionally longer.

It's personal and extremely serious

Society rightfully not only finds resorting to domestic abuse to be behavior that should be punished, but all jurisdictions are also intent on the protection of victims, while also assuring the rights of all parties involved in what are intensely personal conflicts are protected. You need to understand that this is not just personal, but is an extremely serious matter in the eyes of the law.

We cannot emphasize enough that if domestic abuse has become part of your life, you need legal representation.  You need the help of the experienced family law attorneys of Katz, Manka, Ltd.

Protecting the rights of Minnesota family law and personal injury clients for more than 50 years

Katz, Manka, Ltd., primarily a family law and personal injury law firm, represents clients from throughout the Twin Cities area and beyond, including:

Contact us today online or by calling 612-333-1671. Allow us to explain how we can assist you.