Defending Against Domestic Violence Restraining Orders in New Jersey Family Court: When to Consider a Cross-Complaint
Defending Against Domestic Violence Restraining Orders in New Jersey Family Court: When to Consider a Cross-Complaint Introduction Domestic violence restraining orders (DVROs) in New Jersey carry significant legal, personal, and professional consequences. When served with a temporary restraining order (TRO), understanding your defense options becomes critical, including whether filing a cross-complaint for your own restraining order might be appropriate. This article examines the defense strategies available in New Jersey family courts and provides guidance on when a cross-complaint may be warranted. Understanding New Jersey's Prevention of Domestic Violence Act New Jersey's Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (PDVA) is considered one of the strongest in the nation, providing broad protections for domestic violence victims. The law defines domestic violence as the occurrence of one or more of 19 predicate acts, including: Assault Harassment Stalking Criminal restrain...