What a Domestic Violence Lawyer in NYC Does for You
A domestic violence lawyer protects you and your family in court. At Collins Law Group, we help you:
- File for an order of protection (also called a restraining order) so the abuser must stay away.
- Win custody of your children and ask for supervised visits when needed.
- Get child support and spousal support so money is not used to control you.
- Handle your divorce when abuse is part of the marriage.
- Speak for you in court so you never have to face the other person alone.
- Connect you with safe housing, counseling, and other help in your area.
You do not have to know the law. That is our job. You just have to make one call.
What Counts as Domestic Violence in New York?
Domestic violence is more than hitting. In New York, the courts look at a list of acts called family offenses. You may have a case if someone close to you has done any of the following:
- Hit, pushed, choked, or hurt you
- Threatened to hurt you or your kids
- Stalked or followed you
- Sent scary texts, calls, or messages (harassment)
- Pointed a weapon or scared you on purpose (menacing)
- Forced or pressured you into sex
- Took your money, your phone, or your freedom to control you
Abuse can be physical. It can also be threats, control, or fear. All of it matters, and a court can help.
Who Can File for Protection (The Relationship Rule)
New York Family Court can only help if you have a certain bond with the other person. Under the Family Court Act, you can file if the two of you:
- Are married now or were married before
- Are related by blood or marriage
- Have a child together
- Are in or were in an “intimate relationship,” like a dating partner
If the person is not family or a partner, you may still get help through the criminal court instead. We will look at your story and tell you the best path.
How to Get an Order of Protection in NYC
An order of protection is a court paper that tells the abuser to stop and stay away. Here is how it works, step by step.
- File a petition. You file a paper called a family offense petition at Family Court. We write it with you so it is strong and clear.
- Get same-day safety. A judge can give you a temporary order of protection the same day you file, often without the other person there.
- The other person is served. They get a copy and a court date. They must follow the order right away.
- Go to your hearing. You tell the judge what happened. We bring your texts, photos, and witnesses as proof.
- Get a final order. If the judge agrees, you get a final order of protection that can last up to five years.
Quick Example : Maria lives in Queens with her two kids. Her partner threatened her and broke her phone. She called us in the morning. By the afternoon, she had filed a petition and a judge gave her a same-day order telling him to stay away from her home and the kids’ school. Two weeks later, she got a longer order and temporary custody. That is the kind of fast, real help a domestic violence lawyer gives.
Domestic Violence Help for Immigrants in NYC
Abuse is hard. Worrying about your papers makes it harder. You have rights in New York no matter your status.
Two laws can help abuse survivors who are not citizens:
- The U Visa is for victims of certain crimes, including domestic violence, who help the police or court.
- VAWA lets some spouses, children, and parents of abusive citizens or green card holders file on their own, in private.
You do not have to stay with an abuser to keep your status. We help you understand these paths and connect you with the right help.
What to Do Right Now If You Are in Danger
If you are scared today, take these steps. You can do them before you ever call a lawyer.
- Call 911 if you are hurt or in danger at this moment.
- Go somewhere safe — a friend, family, or a shelter.
- Save proof. Keep texts, photos of injuries, voicemails, and a simple log of dates.
- Call for free help. Use the resources below. They are private and cost nothing.
Free NYC Domestic Violence Resources
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (24/7) or text START to 88788
- NYC Family Justice Centers: free help in every borough — Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island. Call 311 to reach the nearest one.
- Safe Horizon: safety planning and court help, including inside Manhattan Family Court
- Sanctuary for Families: legal and counseling support for survivors
- NYC 311: court hours, locations, and free service referrals
We work alongside these groups so you get safety and a strong case at the same time.
Why Choose Collins Law Group as Your Domestic Violence Lawyer NYC
You deserve a lawyer who knows the law and treats you like a person. Here is what you get with Collins Law Group, PLLC.
- 20 Years of Family Law Experience : Attorney Aoife Collins has spent two decades in family courts and has resolved more than 1,000 cases. She knows what works.
- Your Case, Handled by Aoife Herself : Your case is never passed to a junior. You work with Aoife directly, from the first call to the final order.
- Real Local Court Knowledge : We know the judges, rules, and routines in NYC, Westchester, and Long Island family courts. That local know-how saves you time and stress.
- A Free, Private First Call : Start with a free phone call. We listen, explain your options, and map a clear plan. No pressure. No cost to talk.
