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Jennifer L. King
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10.0 Jennifer Lynn King

Domestic Violence

Protecting your safety. Protecting your future.

sketch of man and woman yelling at eachother

Domestic violence cases are some of the most serious matters we handle. The outcomes can impact every part of life — safety, family, custody, finances, and even where you live. If abuse has occurred, you deserve protection. If you’ve been wrongly accused, you deserve a fair defense. In either situation, the stakes could not be higher.


At the Law Office of Jennifer L. King, PC, we bring urgency, clarity, and strength to domestic violence cases. Our role is to protect your rights, present the facts, and ensure the court understands the full picture.


What Counts as Domestic Violence in California?

California’s Domestic Violence Prevention Act (DVPA, Family Code §6200 et seq.) defines domestic violence broadly. It includes:

  • Physical harm or attempts to cause harm
  • Sexual assault
  • Threats, harassment, stalking, or destruction of property
  • “Disturbing the peace” — including coercive control, isolation, or psychological abuse

These behaviors can occur between spouses, former spouses, dating partners, co-parents, or other household/family members.


⚖️ Why it matters: A finding of domestic violence can affect much more than safety — it may influence child custody, visitation, spousal support, and who stays in the family home while the case is pending.


Misuse of the Process

Unfortunately, the DV system can sometimes be misused in divorce or custody disputes. False or exaggerated allegations may be filed to:

  • Gain sole custody of children
  • Exclude a spouse from the home (“move-out orders”)
  • Avoid paying spousal support under Family Code §4325
  • Gain leverage in property or divorce negotiations

Courts take all DV claims seriously, but they also require credible evidence. When allegations are false or inflated, we act quickly to challenge credibility, present the truth, and protect our client’s rights.


How We Can Help

For Survivors

  • Filing Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs) that can include move-out protections, no-contact orders, custody and visitation terms, and even temporary financial support.
  • Advocating for safe parenting plans under Family Code §3044, which creates a presumption against awarding custody to an abusive parent.
  • Working with local agencies to ensure you have both legal and practical support.


For the Accused

  • Defending against false or exaggerated allegations.
  • Gathering and presenting evidence quickly — hearings are often set within 21 days of filing.
  • Protecting your parental rights, reputation, and financial interests in custody and support proceedings.


Custody & Support Strategy

  • Explaining how domestic violence findings affect child custody (§3044 presumption) and spousal support (§4320(i), §4325 limits).
  • Ensuring the court considers all relevant factors, not just accusations.


Why It Matters

Domestic violence findings carry long-term consequences. They can determine custody, support, property division, and even your ability to remain in your own home. Restraining orders can last from 1 to 5 years and may be renewed if the court believes protection is still necessary.


Whether you are seeking protection or defending against accusations, you need experienced counsel who knows how these laws are applied in California courts.


Resources

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Here are trusted resources that provide confidential support:


Disclaimer: These organizations are independent resources. We are not affiliated with them, and their inclusion here does not constitute an endorsement. They are provided for informational purposes only.



Take the Next Step

If you or a loved one is involved in a domestic violence case — as a survivor or as someone accused — contact our office today.

📧 Email brigette@blackhawklitigation.com
📞 Call (925) 648-2004