Domestic Violence Law

Empowering survivors of intimate partner violence to achieve safety and stability.

Intimate partner violence is more than a “personal matter.” It’s an urgent societal issue that must be addressed. Often survivors feel trapped in an abusive relationship, unsure of the options available to help them and their children be safer. Our attorneys work with survivors, offering them client-centered, trauma-informed representation so that they can build stable, independent lives free from violence.

NYLAG’s attorneys and paralegals in the Domestic Violence Law Unit work with survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, including sexual assault, stalking, and trafficking, within all communities, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.

1,200

survivors of intimate partner violence worked with NYLAG on orders of protection, divorce, and custody issues last year

Services

Our attorneys will fight for survivors and their children. We offer the following legal services:

Creating safety plans
Obtaining and enforcing orders of protection
Representing clients in contested and uncontested divorce proceedings
Advocating for a fair and just division of assets and financial support
Obtaining and enforcing orders for child and spousal support
Securing or maintaining custody of the children
Securing safe visitation
Assisting in child protection cases to keep children safe
Defending against abusive tactics, such as false arrests and false filings
Working with immigrant survivors to secure legal status
Representing survivors in appeals in Family and Supreme Court
Advocating for survivors in the criminal and civil justice system