Domestic Violence, Coercive Control, & Protective Orders
Trauma-Informed Legal Representation. Clinical Insight. Unwavering Advocacy.
Domestic violence matters require more than procedural familiarity with family court; they require legal counsel who understands the intersection of law, psychology, and safety.
At our firm, we provide trauma-informed family law representation grounded in both legal and clinical training. Ms. Wienick, the firm’s founder, is not only a licensed California attorney but also has a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California. We approach domestic violence and coercive control cases with precision, discretion, and a focus on long-term security. We ensure that abuse dynamics are accurately identified, carefully documented, and presented in a manner that courts can evaluate effectively.
The Intersection of Safety and Family Law
Domestic violence in divorce and custody cases is rarely limited to physical harm. It frequently involves complex patterns of emotional, psychological, and financial abuse that undermine autonomy.
These dynamics often intensify during separation, the point at which victims are most exposed, and courts must make rapid decisions based on limited information. Our role is to translate these private experiences into admissible evidence, ensuring the court understands the necessity of safety measures in your custody or divorce proceedings.
Identifying Coercive Control
Visible abuse often hides a much larger pattern of control. Our dual legal-clinical background helps uncover the unseen dynamics below the surface.
Coercive control is a strategic pattern of behavior designed to restrict another person’s liberty. While increasingly recognized in family courts, it is often minimized if not articulated with legal clarity. We specialize in identifying these nuanced behaviors, including:
- Psychological Manipulation: Gaslighting, chronic blame-shifting, and the erosion of self-trust.
- Isolation: Systematically cutting off access to friends, family, or professional support systems.
- Financial Abuse: Restricting access to funds, interfering with employment, or generating debt to create dependency.
- Destabilization: Repeating cycles of calm, crisis, and reconciliation that impair decision-making.
Protective Orders & Court-Based Safety
Restraining orders and protective orders are critical tools in high-conflict family law. When strategically applied, they establish immediate boundaries and create a framework for safer custody and visitation arrangements.
We assist clients in navigating the full lifecycle of protective orders:
- Strategic Evaluation: Assessing whether a protective order is legally viable and strategically advantageous for your broader family law goals.
- Evidence Preparation: Drafting clear, fact-based declarations that withstand judicial scrutiny.
- Litigation & Enforcement: Representing clients in hearings, renewals, and enforcement actions.
- Custody Integration: Addressing how protective orders impact parenting plans and visitation schedules.
The Advantage of Trauma-Informed Advocacy
In traditional litigation, the effects of trauma, such as fragmented memory, emotional volatility, or fear are often weaponized against the victim to damage their credibility.
We litigate differently. Our advocacy is informed by clinical social work principles, allowing us to:
- Protect Credibility: We structure evidence to account for trauma responses, preventing opposing counsel from mischaracterizing them.
- Prevent Re-Traumatization: We prepare clients for testimony and court appearances with psychological safety in mind.
- Counter Legal Abuse: We anticipate attempts to use the legal system as a tool for continued harassment and develop strategies to shut them down.
If you are navigating a family law matter involving domestic violence or coercive control, the right counsel can alter the trajectory of your case.
Our office provides discreet, strategic advocacy grounded in legal rigor and psychological insight. We invite you to contact us to discuss your situation and explore your options for safety and legal protection.