• 01
  • February
    2012

Domestic violence in the context of divorce is an allegation that must be taken seriously, especially when children are involved. It is not unusual in Washington or other locations for temporary protection orders to be granted when there is a threat of domestic violence. But are some of those orders not really justified? And is there some level of bias against men when it comes to family court?

In at least one Washington county, the answer to both questions seems to be yes. In one case in King County, a man was prohibited from entering his house or having contact with his young son based on a temporary protection order that had been sought by his wife. In the order, she claimed that the man had a bad temper, which was exhibited by him yelling at her and their dogs, and by driving aggressively. But she didn't actually accuse him of violence against her and the child, or even of the threat of violence.

Observers say that the appointed family commissioners in family court tend to err on the side of caution because the standard of evidence required in that venue is the lowest allowed by law. While this no doubt leads to some legitimate claims being validated, it also leads to accusations that may have dubious amounts of truth being accepted as fact.

When couples divorce, the process can be polarizing if not handled properly. Experienced family law attorneys can help to advise people going through these difficult times, and to fight unjust claims if they are made in the heat of a contentious divorce.

Source: Seattle Weekly, "Ripped Apart," Nina Shapiro, Jan. 18, 2012