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There is a useful model of the cycle of violence that explains the complexity and co-existence of abuse with loving behaviors. It helps those who have not experienced domestic violence in their life to understand that breaking the cycle of domestic violence is more complicated than just “getting out” or leaving.  It also helps those who may be caught in domestic violence situations and who do not recognize the cycle, to better understand their situations.

Any domestic abuse lawyer in Hernando County, FL, will recognize this pattern. Typically, there are three phases in the cycle of violence: (1) The Tension-Building Phase, (2) Acute or Crisis Phase, and (3) Calm or Honeymoon Phase. Any domestic abuse lawyer will also tell you that without intervention, both the severity and frequency of the abuse increases over time.

Crisis Phase

• Blow Ups
• Worse Than Before
• Threats
• Fear For Your and Your Child’s Safety
• Drug and/or Alcohol Abuse

Calm Phase

• Their Old Loving Self
• Promises To Get Help
• Apologies
• Declarations of “I Love You”

Tension Phase

Walking On Egg Shells

Things Have To Be Perfect

Constant Worrying Of “What If”

Feeling “Something” Is About To Happen

Researcher Lenore Walker developed the cycle of violence as a tool used by domestic abuse lawyers, victims, and many others who work in the field or are researching domestic violence as a subject.

Life after divorce can be difficult, especially if children who are minors are involved. And in cases with stepparents, the legal reality can be a bit tricky. While many people may assume that a stepparent would obtain parental rights simply by marriage to the child’s parent, it is not always the case. A court is unlikely to grant that parent any rights over the child unless the stepparent has petitioned for parental rights.

It’s always best to consult with family law attorneys in Hernando County, Florida, if you want advice about your particular situation, but here are a couple of points to think about.

Stepparent Adoption

It is best to review your situation with family law attorneys, as the process of adopting a stepchild can have several complexities that may arise throughout the proceedings.

Eligibility – Under Florida law, the stepparent’s spouse, who must be the parent of the child to be adopted, has to consent to the adoption. If not, then the court may find that it would be in the child’s best interests, or there may be other extenuating circumstances.

Petition – Family law attorneys will advise that next, a petition must be filed with all of the required information and documents. Petitioners seeking stepparent adoption must either obtain consent from the other parent or terminate that parent’s parental rights before being able to adopt a stepchild.

Notice – The petitioners must then provide notice to the other spouse, or any other interested parties. If the other parent consents to waive parental rights, then the process will be significantly expedited. If not, the court will determine whether the stepparent will be allowed to adopt the child.

Going through an inter-state divorce is always hard, and when a child is involved, it only compounds the hardship. At the Law Office of James R Jones Jr, P.A., you will work with a compassionate custody lawyer in Hernando County, FL, that acts in your best interest. Of course, there are certain criteria that have to be met before a court can make any decision regarding custody.

According to the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, which is recognized in every state except Massachusetts and Vermont, one of three conditions must be met before a court can alter an existing custody decision:

• The Court Is in the Child’s Home State
• The Court Is in a State in which the Child Has Ties to Living Individuals
• The Court Is in a State in which the Child Is Residing for Safety

If you are unsure whether your situation meets any of these descriptions, reach out to custody lawyer James R Jones Jr. There is no better advocate to have in your corner, especially when it comes to something as important as your child’s custody. Let Mr. Jones guide you to the best possible outcome for your custody situation, whether it’s here in Florida or between states.

False Allegations of Domestic Violence Are More Common than You May Think.

Domestic violence is a horrible crime that happens with disturbing frequency in the U.S. and worldwide. While the majority of these cases come to light thanks to victims who are brave enough to speak the truth, others are less factual. In fact, roughly 1.5 million temporary restraining orders are issued in the U.S. every year that are either trivial or false.

If you have been accused of domestic violence that you didn’t commit, that doesn’t mean that you’re safe. Be sure to get in touch with a domestic abuse lawyer who understands the law and how to keep you protected. You’ll also want to get to work immediately collecting any evidence available that proves your innocence. Along with evidence, gathering key witnesses who can testify to your character is of utmost importance. Better, yet, try to find individuals who were present for a certain event or exchange between you and your accuser.

The Law Office of James R Jones Jr, P.A. helps walk you through this trying process, providing you with a domestic abuse lawyer who is backed by decades of experience. Give our firm a call if you ever find yourself on the receiving end of false allegations; you’ll be glad you did.

Regardless of what that old saying tells us to believe, you never hurt the one you love.

There’s no excuse for violence because it is not an answer or a solution. It just becomes another part of the problem and causes it to grow rather than recede.

The team at the Law Office of James R Jones Jr, P.A., has seen the effects of domestic violence on the clients they support and want to provide this information to highlight how domestic violence affects the entire family and what solutions are available.

While women are most often the target of domestic violence, they are not the only victims who can benefit by seeking a domestic abuse lawyer in Hernando County, FL. Men are abused, and so are children. Regardless of who the target is, the effects are felt throughout the entire family unit. The abused person is hurt physically, mentally, and emotionally, while other members are touched by the fallout as well.

It’s not possible to see one family member hurting another and not be hurt yourself. Imagine the scenario of one parent striking another in front of a child and the damage that’s doing. A person doesn’t have to be hit to be hurt.

If you find yourself in a situation that you need to get out of, remember that a domestic abuse lawyer in Hernando County, FL, is ready to help you today to take strides toward a better tomorrow.

Child abuse and neglect are frightfully common — and typically close to home. Nobody wants to think the worst of their family or the people they interact with frequently. However, if you have reason to believe a child is being abused or neglected, family law in Pasco County, FL, says you have a legal responsibility to report it. It’s important to notify the authorities about your suspicions so the situation can be investigated by the appropriate professionals.

Fortunately, reporting your concerns is simple. You can call 1-800-962-2873 any time of day or night to make a report. Those who prefer to report online can visit the Florida Department of Children and Families’ online portal. Anonymous reports are permitted, except in the case of professionally mandated reporters.

Be sure to have basic information available so your allegations can be investigated quickly. It’s okay if you don’t know everything, but the more details you can provide, the better. The staff member will ask you for the following:

• Victim’s Name
• Alleged Perpetrator’s Name
• Subjects’ Address and Phone Number
• Subjects’ Date of Birth
• Subjects’ Social Security Number
• Brief Description of Your Allegations

For the safety of the child, it’s important to report suspected cases of abuse or neglect as soon as possible. In fact, Florida law requires that you report it or you may face legal and financial penalties. Don’t hesitate: your actions may save a life.