Gastonia Domestic Violence Lawyer

Domestic Violence Attorney In Gastonia, NC

Family law cases that involve domestic violence offenses are some of the most emotionally and legally complex situations in family law. Whether you have children, are dealing with the violence of another party alone, or are involved in a family law case already, you need a skilled Gastonia domestic violence lawyer to help you navigate your legal case.

When you need a law firm dedicated to its community that provides compassionate legal care in all family law cases, you can count on The Jonas Law Firm, P.L.L.C. An attorney from our firm can help you protect your loved ones and secure the protection you need.

Find a Skilled Gastonia Domestic Violence Attorney at The Jonas Law Firm, P.L.L.C.

It can be isolating when you are a victim of domestic violence, and you may not know what you can do. When you reach out to our firm, we can help you file protective orders and take the steps needed to keep you and your family safe. We talk through your options and help you gather evidence and file the correct information.

For over 110 years, our firm has stood to support families and individuals throughout Southwest North Carolina. Two of our partners are Certified Family Law Specialists through the North Carolina State Bar, and our legal team has decades of collective experience in family law.

Our firm believes strongly in supporting those subjected to domestic violence. In our experience in family law, we also know that people can file false accusations, especially during contested divorce or custody cases. We offer support in family courts to protect your freedom and your future against restrictive protective orders and against attempts to reduce your custody.

Understanding Domestic Violence in North Carolina

State law defines domestic violence as committing specific acts of violence or threatened violence against close family members or those with a close personal relationship. Acts of domestic violence are covered under criminal and family law. In family law, domestic violence can lead to cases for protective orders or affect custody and divorce cases.

There were 52 arrests in Gaston County in 2024 for offenses against the family and children, and 19 of those arrests occurred in Gastonia. From 2018 to 2025, there were 15 domestic violence murders in Gaston County, out of 453 in the state. Domestic violence includes offenses not made in self-defense, like:

• Trying to cause bodily injury
• Intentionally causing bodily injury
• Putting the individual in immediate fear of serious bodily injury
• Putting the individual in immediate fear of continued harassment that would cause significant emotional distress
• Committing sex offenses like forcible rape, forcible sexual offense, statutory rape, statutory sexual offense, and sexual battery

In North Carolina, 35% of domestic violence offenses from 2023 to 2024 were committed by a boyfriend, girlfriend, or other partner, and 26% were committed by a spouse. Offenses can be considered domestic violence offenses when they are committed against a person with whom the offender has a specific relationship. These include:

• Current or former spouse
• Living together or having lived together and are of the opposite sex
• Parent and child
• Acting as parent and child
• Grandparent and grandchild
• Having a child in common
• Current or former members of the same household
• Having or having had a dating relationship with someone of the opposite sex

The offenses are also considered domestic violence offenses when they are committed against a minor child who lives with or is under the custody of a person with one of the above relationships with the alleged offender. In these situations, the law treats the conduct as domestic violence because it occurs within the family or household setting, even if the child is not in a direct relationship with the alleged offender. In these sensitive situations, a Gastonia child custody lawyer can work to establish emergency orders that keep children out of harm’s way.

What Can a Protective Order Do?

When you file for a protective order in Gastonia, you can request relief, and the judge can determine whether or not to grant that relief if the protective order is granted. This relief might include:

• Prohibiting acts of domestic violence, including threats, abuse, and stalking
• Requiring the restrained party to leave a shared home and provide possession of the home to you
• Requiring the party to find suitable housing for you or your children
• Providing you with temporary custody of your minor children
• Awarding attorney’s fees
• Prohibiting the restrained party from obtaining a firearm

There are many other potential forms of relief available. An attorney can help you assess what is necessary for you and what a judge is likely to grant.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Get a Lawyer for Domestic Violence Family Law Cases?

The cost to get a lawyer for domestic violence and family law cases depends on your case and the attorney you work with. Each attorney has unique processes depending on their experience, their location, and their firm’s policies. Attorney fees also depend on the complexity of your case. You should always talk up front with an attorney about their fees and what you can expect to pay in a case.

What Is the Law for Domestic Violence in North Carolina?

The law for domestic violence in North Carolina defines domestic violence as acts of violence or attempts to commit violence against a family member, a household member, a dating partner, or other individuals with a close relationship. Offenses include assault, harassment, stalking, rape, and sexual battery. When an individual is facing domestic violence, they can file a protective order and other emergency actions to get relief.

What Type of Lawyer Helps Domestic Violence Victims?

A domestic violence family law attorney can help domestic violence victims file protective orders and navigate other family law cases affected by domestic violence. They can assist in quickly securing custody of children for their safety.

Domestic violence offenses can also affect property division, spousal support, or other aspects of divorce, depending on your jurisdiction. All these elements can be complicated, and you need an attorney to navigate them more successfully.

What Is a Protective Order in North Carolina?

A protective order in North Carolina offers victims of certain offenses, like domestic violence, relief from those offenses. This is done by filing a petition with the court. In the hearing, the individual requesting relief can present evidence of the abuse. Based on this information, the court can decide whether to grant a protective order and what restrictions to impose on the alleged offender.

Hire a Domestic Violence Lawyer in Gastonia Today

When you hire a domestic violence lawyer in Gastonia, you can protect your well-being and protect your future, either by filing a protective order or by preventing one from being filed against you. Reach out to our firm today.

Gastonia, NC Domestic Violence Resources

• How child custody is determined in North Carolina
• Try to choose your battles in child custody situations
• How child custody is determined in North Carolina