If youre like millions of couples, you probably haveand you probably thought it was no big deal.
You might be temporarilyor even permanentlyprevented from seeing or spending time with your children.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Courtesy Image Source via Getty Images
False accusations happen commonly when your partner wants to have power over you or the situation, says Renteria.
may just land you in jail.
The legal standard for issuing such an order is surprisingly low, considering the impact it could have.
In the military, commissioned officers can issue a military protective order, which restrains service members.
Those orders are generally effective only on military installations, so many spouses seek civilian orders of protection instead.
You could be arrested on a criminal charge punishable by up to one year in jail, and fined.
Orders of protection can be broader than just stay away orders.
It may also forbid the accused of disposing of property or taking the children outside the courts jurisdiction.
These orders can be a very dangerous and wrongful tool if used improperly.
In some instances, supervised visitation may be allowed in spite of an order of protection.
This is where a false allegation could potentially be bootstrapped into a disastrous result in a custody case.
In many cases, claiming to be feeling threatened or unsafe is enough to start the process.
If you find yourself facing such a crisis, dont give up hope.
An experienced lawyer can help you.
Authenticated U.S. Government Information.One Hundred Thirteenth Congress of the United States of America.