General Tips:  Working with Your Attorney on a Domestic Violence Case

Your attorney is there to help and support you.  Attorneys are bound by ethical rules and all information you tell them must be kept confidential.  It is in your best interest to be as specific as possible with your attorney.  If you think you may not feel comfortable verbally informing your attorney about specific acts, you can put them in writing.

Detail ALL incidents of abuse and try to be as specific as possible:

1. Dates of Abuse
2. Places where the abuse occurred: i.e. in your home (what room) or in public (give street name).
3. Types of Abuse: i.e. threats, hitting, punching, pushing, shoving, biting, or forced sex acts.
4. Objects used: i.e. knives, guns, furniture, etc.
5. Inform your attorney about any possible witnesses:  give your attorney the names of any possible witnesses.
6. Do you have any pictures that show any injuries that were a result of abuse?
7. Did you ever seek medical attention?
8. Which hospital did you go to?
9. Did the hospital treat you for any injuries?
10. Did you ever call the police?
11. Did the police respond?
12. Was a report written?
13. Was your abuser arrested?

Benefits - State whether or not you are receiving any type of benefits from the state (i.e. welfare, temporary cash assistance, etc.).

Do you have children? -  Is there a custody order in place? (Just because your child resides with you does not mean you have legal custody. Both parents always have rights)

1. Are your children safe?
2. Inform your attorney of the names, ages, addresses and, school addresses of your children.
3. If your abuser wants visitation, inform your attorney that you would like the exchange to take place in a neutral setting. See the Directory of Supervised Visitation and Monitored Exchange Centers.
4. Inform your attorney whether or not you want supervised visitation.
5. Inform your attorney whether or not you are receiving child support from your abuser.
6. Inform your attorney whether or not your abuser is paying health insurance for your children.
7. Review this checklist on preparing for the Final Protective Order hearing.

Keep your Address Confidential - Inform your attorney that you do not want your current address listed on any documents that your abuser may receive or view.

It's Your Case - Remember to ask your attorney questions.  You should tell your attorney about any other information that you think may be important.

REMEMBER to bring ALL court documents. - It is important to bring any and all documents that relate to a case you have in court (i.e. protective order, child custody order, or child support order).

***Remember:  Your safety is the most important issue.*** You can ask your attorney to keep your new address confidential in the court documents.

Last date reviewed no legal content 8/22/08 (PLL/M.A.J.)

Source: The collected materials from the Maryland Domestic Violence Providers, including House of Ruth.