If your spouse or another member of your household has demonstrated or threatened violence, you should be aware of the Illinois Domestic Violence Act (“IDVA”). Living with domestic violence, or the threat of domestic violence, is a dangerous situation and the law provides protection. Perpetrators of domestic violence regularly harm or kill pets. The law allows Illinois courts to order an abuser to stay away from a pet. If you are being harassed, threatened or abused, speak with an attorney about obtaining an order of protection. Without protections in place, domestic violence can turn deadly. If necessary, a court may provide you with exclusive possession of the residence, sole custody of children, exclusive care and control of the pets and order your abuser to stay away. If the abuser violates the order, he or she may be arrested and prosecuted in criminal court.
Order of Protection for Domestic Violence
Unfortunately, some Chicago divorces or Chicago child custody disputes involve domestic violence. When domestic violence, or the threat of domestic violence, occurs a victim may petition the court for an order of protection. An order of protection is a court order...