I previously posted a thread on domestic violence characteristics because I suddenly had three DV case contacts from former clients in my area. Ironically, they all had married women from the same country although nationality would not be relevant to the underlying issue of Domestic Violence. Now the DV portions of the three cases are over and so. . . . .
Of the three cases, one was real, one was questionable, and one was downright false. All three women were K visas who married their US citizen petitioner. Two had children of the union. All three of the clients came in saying that the girl must have just married him for a green card. Hard to swallow that when the wife has a black eye.
The real DV case is interesting from the standpoint that the woman really loves her husband and is utilizing family reunification services, rejected a permanent restraining order through the DV process (the DV case with temporary orders now transfers to the criminal case), and was really compliant on child visitation pending husband’s future return to the family unit. She will be eligible for VAWA processing after the criminal case concludes but wants to stay married.
The questionable one was the most interesting of the three because the woman never showed up in court and is suddenly making noises of reconciliation. She didn’t get her husband arrested based on her complaint. Apparently her “advisors” reviewed the case and decided that she didn’t have enough to prevail- THIS TIME. Unfortunately, the client will probably go back to her; he “loves” her and it must have all been “just a misunderstanding.” I am wondering which part of “run away quickly” he doesn’t understand. I told him that he would be back to see me again but I don’t think he believes me.
The third case was a complete falsity, but she was not properly coached. She left the house while he was at work claiming death threats and filed for a DV protective order in another county. When we got to Court, she had counsel and the offer on the table was generous as to the child so long as she got permanent orders for herself. Counsel’s mouth dropped open when I told him that we were well aware of the his client’s need for a DV order to successfully process a VAWA claim. Apparently, he had never thought that the goal would be apparent. After a hearing on the merits, we earned a flat denial of further DV orders from the judge. Upon the lapse of the one set of DV orders, our own custody orders went into effect. Good client control and he isn’t ever going back.
The things to be drawn from these cases are-
The unfortunate aspect of these cases is that there was one real one. Look at yourself first, guys, and keep your own house in order.
And on the flip side, which deals with the other two matters, know your girl as well as you can. Case #2 was sandbagged by his girl.
And finally- DON’T ignore the warning signs. Case #3 was full of them before the trigger was full.
