Can I get a restraining order on behalf of my daughter? Her mom's boyfriend, is abusive. She filed an assault but didn't

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Customer: Can I get a restraining order on behalf of my daughter?
JA: Is there ongoing abuse or harassment? How recent?
Customer: Her mom's boyfriend, is abusive. She filed an assault but didn't press charges
JA: Were the police called? What happened?
Customer: They were not called. She walked into the precinct and filed a complaint.
JA: Is there anything else the Lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured that they'll be able to help you.
Customer: He's a drinker. Likes to drink and drive with children in the vehicle
Answered by Zoey_ JD in 1 min 5 months ago
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Zoey_ JD
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Zoey_ JD, Expert

Hi, 

I’m Zoey, and I am an experienced attorney. I know your question is important to you and I will be giving it the time and attention it deserves.

In case you would like a faster response, the site will automatically offer you an optional phone call for an additional fee. No need to choose a phone call unless you'd like one. I’m happy to type or to talk.

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Zoey_ JD, Expert

Is your daughter a minor?

Customer
Hi
Customer
She is 5.
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Zoey_ JD, Expert

As long as your daughter is a minor, you would be able to go to court and file for a restraining order on her behalf.   She can make a police report before she becomes 18,    If she'd wanted the state to prosecute, she could have seen to that as well.    In civil court, however, to file the petition, she would need to be at least 18 or have a parent or guardian file this for her.

Another option, if you didn't want to take this to court, would be to alert Children's Services and have them investigate the boyfriend and the home environment.   The police may have even done that, as they are mandatory reporters.

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Zoey_ JD, Expert

Do you need me to clarify anything or to give you more information?

Customer
Filing a petition on her behalf... I would have to prove she's in danger?
Customer
It has to be done through the court? Not police station?
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Zoey_ JD, Expert

If you want just a civil order, you go to court, ask the clerk for the petition forms and fill it out, detailing the allegations that are the basis for her needing an order.   The clerk then will turn the form over to the judge who will read it.  If he determines that a person in your daughter's situation reasonably needs such a restraining order, he will grant a temporary hearing.  Then there would have to be a hearing, approximately 2 weeks later where they get a chance to try to lift the order and you try to make it permanent.

Yes, you can go to the police on your daughter's behalf, but if she's not interested in prosecuting and  testifying against her mother's boyfriend, the matter can't go anywhere.

You can also go to family court and petition for a modification of whatever your custody order is and seek to prevent him from being in the home when your daughter is there.

Customer
Thank you.
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Zoey_ JD, Expert

You're very welcome.

Any other follow-up questions?

Customer
That is all I appreciate your time.
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Zoey_ JD, Expert

You're very welcome.

If there is anything more I can help with for this issue, you can always find me again on this chat thread.

If you have new questions about other topics, just start a separate question as a brand new chat and start it with "For Zoey Only" and/or type @Zoey_JD. You’ll be able to select my username to tag me in the question.

Best wishes for a happy 2023.

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