Domestic Violence
McKnight Law advocates for victims and assists vulnerable people in sensitive circumstances.
Domestic Violence in Wake County
If you are a victim of domestic violence, don’t wait to take legal action. We can quickly help you obtain a domestic violence protective order and also explore other legal options. Contact our Wake County domestic violence lawyer today.
Types of Domestic Violence
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Financial abuse
Domestic Violence Protective Order
If you share a pet with the abuser, the judge can give you possession of the animal. Also, the order can prohibit the abuser from owning a firearm and force the person to attend a batterer intervention program. Finally, the judge can include specific provisions tailored to your case.
Who Can Get A Protective Order?
In order to get a domestic violence protective order, you must have a personal relationship with the person who committed domestic violence. Also, the domestic violence must have been committed against you or a minor child.
If you are currently or formerly married to the abuser, that’s certainly considered a personal relationship. However, you can file for a protective order if you share a child with the abuser or you dated the person in the past. In addition, you can file for a restraining order if you currently or previously shared a household with the abuser or if you’re related by blood.
If you’ve been abused by a same-sex partner but weren’t married or household members, you cannot file for a standard domestic violence protective order. While we disagree with that provision of North Carolina law, your Wake County domestic violence attorney can explore and implement other options to keep you safe, including no-contact orders.
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Our Areas of Practice
Why Choose McKnight Law

- Purposeful Consultation – Discuss all your needs and ask us all your questions during your consultation to find out all the ways we can assist you. If you would like to move forward, we can begin building your case quickly.
- Five-Star Reviews – McKnight Law has a five-star rating on Google and numerous accolades on other websites.
- Covers All Areas of Family Law – Our Wake County family law attorneys represent clients in separations, divorces, custody cases, alimony, child support, and more.
- Committed to Clients – McKnight Law is dedicated to all the clients we serve. We find solutions to complex problems and work quickly to help our clients move forward with their cases.
- Compassionate Services – We understand that family law cases are difficult for our clients. Our compassionate legal services take the stress away, so our clients can focus on family and loved ones instead of court hearings and cases.
Purposeful Consultation – Discuss all your needs and ask us all your questions during your consultation to find out all the ways we can assist you. If you would like to move forward, we can begin building your case quickly.
Five-Star Reviews – McKnight Law has a five-star rating on Google and numerous accolades on other websites.
Covers All Areas of Family Law – Our Wake County family law attorneys represent clients in separations, divorces, custody cases, alimony, child support, and more.
Committed to Clients – McKnight Law is dedicated to all the clients we serve. We find solutions to complex problems and work quickly to help our clients move forward with their cases.
Compassionate Services – We understand that family law cases are difficult for our clients. Our compassionate legal services take the stress away, so our clients can focus on family and loved ones instead of court hearings and cases.
Proving Domestic Violence
How Long Does A Protective Order Last?
The judge can grant a domestic violence protective order for up to one year. When it’s time for the order to expire, you can file a motion to renew it. The judge might find cause to renew it, even if the abuser followed the original order. This time, the judge can renew the order for up to two years. As long as the judge finds a good cause, you can renew it as many times as you wish. However, it is important to start the process before it expires so you always have an order in place.
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We respect your privacy. The information you provide will be used to answer your question or to schedule an appointment if requested. Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship. We will not respond to solicitations or inquiries regarding employment.
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