Sarasota Domestic Violence Attorney

Domestic violence does not discriminate. It affects people of all ages, backgrounds, income levels, and walks of life throughout Sarasota County. You might be experiencing physical abuse, emotional manipulation, financial control, sexual coercion, or psychological intimidation.

At Titan Law, we are here to help you get relief under Florida’s civil justice system. We will help you take the steps to make you and your children feel safe.

Our Sarasota domestic violence attorneys are available to provide compassionate, experienced legal guidance for individuals experiencing abuse in their relationships. We are here to stand with you and help you regain control.

What Is Considered Domestic Violence in Florida?

If you are in a relationship where fear, control, or violence is part of your daily reality, you may be wondering whether what you are experiencing legally qualifies as domestic violence. In Florida, the answer often depends on what happened, who was involved, and how.

Under Florida law, domestic violence is not limited to physical attacks. It includes a range of abusive behaviors between people who share a close or family relationship. This could include:

• Current or former spouses
• Individuals who live together or have lived together in the past
• Romantic partners, whether or not you live together
• Parents of a shared child

These relationships are recognized under Florida Statutes § 741.28. You don’t have to be married or live together to apply for legal protection.

Types of Domestic Violence Recognized by Florida Law

Domestic violence takes many forms, and you do not need bruises or physical injuries for the abuse to be real or to take action. The law recognizes that abuse can be verbal, emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial, in addition to physical. Some of the most common acts that may qualify as domestic violence include:

• Assault: Threatening to hurt you in a way that makes you genuinely fear for your safety, even if no physical contact occurs.
• Aggravated assault: Threatening you with a weapon or in a way that involves a serious intent to commit further harm or a felony.
• Battery: Being physically struck, shoved, or touched against your will.
• Aggravated battery: When physical violence results in serious injury or involves a weapon.
• Sexual assault or sexual battery: Any non-consensual sexual contact or coercive sexual act, including within a relationship or marriage.
• Stalking: Being followed, harassed, or monitored repeatedly in a way that causes fear or emotional distress.
• Aggravated stalking: When stalking includes credible threats of harm or when the behavior violates a restraining order.
• Kidnapping: Being forcibly taken or kept somewhere against your will.
• False imprisonment: Not being allowed to leave a room, house, or area when you want to, especially when threats or force are used to keep you there.

Even acts that don’t leave a mark, like yelling, threats, smashing objects, taking away your phone or car keys, or isolating you from family and friends, may be considered part of a larger pattern of abusive behavior.

Florida courts often look at the totality of the relationship, not just a single incident, when determining whether domestic violence protections apply.

If you are considering legal action or even just need to understand your rights, speaking with an experienced Sarasota domestic violence attorney can be a powerful first step. At Titan Law, we are here to listen, believe you, and help you figure out what to do next.

How the Legal System Can Help You

Whether you are trying to leave an abusive relationship or you need space to breathe and think clearly, there are legal protections designed specifically for people in your situation. You don’t have to wait until things get worse to ask for help.

Injunctions for Protection (Restraining Orders)

One of the most effective legal tools available to survivors of domestic violence in Florida is called an injunction for protection. This is more commonly known as a restraining order.

This court-issued order can immediately limit or cut off contact with your abuser and begin to establish a sense of safety and control in your life again.

If granted, an injunction can do the following:

• Prohibit your abuser from contacting you in any way by phone, text, email, social media, or in person
• Force them to leave your shared home, even if their name is on the lease or mortgage
• Establish temporary custody of your children so they remain in your care
• Restrict them from possessing or purchasing firearms
• Create protective zones around places that matter to you, such as your workplace, your child’s school, a family member’s home, or any place you need to feel safe

You do not need to wait weeks or months for protection. In many cases, a judge can review your petition the same day you file it. If they believe you are in immediate danger, they may issue a temporary injunction immediately without needing to notify the other party first.

A hearing for a final injunction is then scheduled within about two weeks, where both sides can present evidence and speak to the judge.

This process can feel intimidating, but that’s where a Sarasota domestic violence attorney can assist. Our legal team will be with you every step of the way. We move quickly and discreetly because your safety is our priority, and we will work with sensitivity and care to ensure you feel supported throughout the process.

Protecting Your Children

When children are involved, the stakes feel even higher and the fear more intense. You are not just trying to protect yourself; you need to shield your children from the confusion, chaos, and potential danger of an abusive environment. We understand how heavy that responsibility feels and are here to help you carry it.

In Florida, the courts take domestic violence very seriously in matters involving children. Even if the abuse was not directed at the child, exposure to violence in the home can be harmful, and the law recognizes that.

If you share children with your abuser, there are legal actions we can help you take to keep them safe:

• Request emergency custody: If you believe your child is at risk of harm or is being exposed to violence, we can file a motion asking the court to award you temporary sole custody immediately.
• Block unsupervised visitation: If your co-parent has acted violently or unpredictably, we can request that all visitation be supervised by a third party or suspended if necessary.
• Modify parenting plans: If you already have a custody arrangement in place, we can help you pursue long-term modifications based on the abuse, especially if the existing plan puts your child at risk.

Your child’s well-being is just as important as your own. The court’s job is to focus on what’s in the best interest of the child, and that includes keeping them safe from any form of trauma or danger at home.

We know how difficult it can be to take legal action, especially when the person who hurt you is someone you once trusted. You may be feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or afraid of retaliation. You may worry that no one will believe you, or that the system will not protect you.

At Titan Law, we don’t just process paperwork. We listen. We advocate. And we stand by you during one of the most challenging chapters of your life with honesty, compassion, and fierce dedication.

Sarasota Domestic Violence Attorney FAQs

Here are some answers to your most pressing questions:

Can I still get legal help if I don’t have any physical evidence of abuse?

Yes. Courts understand that domestic violence doesn’t always leave visible marks. Your sworn testimony, witness statements, and behavior patterns can be just as powerful in court.

Will my abuser find out I filed for an injunction before the hearing?

Not initially. In most cases, the court issues a temporary injunction without notifying the abuser, and they are only formally served before the scheduled hearing.

What happens if my abuser violates the restraining order?

Violating a domestic violence injunction is a criminal offense in Florida and can lead to immediate arrest and additional charges. You should contact law enforcement right away if the order is violated.

Can I stay anonymous during legal proceedings?

While complete anonymity is not possible in most court processes, confidentiality protections exist for sensitive information, such as your address.

Do I have to attend court in person for the injunction hearing?

Not always. In some counties, the court may allow you to appear virtually or request accommodations for your safety, especially in domestic violence cases.