At The Law Office of Patricia Machado, we take domestic violence cases very seriously and so does the New York court system. These matters require an unfailing sense of urgency and personal dedication to your safety and wellbeing, and we are ready to use a variety of legal strategies to help protect your rights and keep you and your loved ones safe.
In more cases than people realize, domestic violence either causes divorce or is an immediate effect of divorce. People may experience domestic violence when they decide to leave their relationship. When you contact The Law Office of Patricia Machado, you can trust our attorneys to handle your case with compassion, efficiency, and care. We can help you navigate these waters and help you safely leave your relationship.
Domestic violence refers to several types of behaviors that a person inflicts upon their spouse, the parent of their child, another family member, or their roommate.
These behaviors can include:
One of the best ways to stop these behaviors is having an attorney file a temporary order of protection. This will take effect the day you file it, and it will last until the next court date, upon which you may acquire a final order of protection.
An order of protection can cover your children, as well. If the parent of your children acquires visitation rights, you can request supervised visitation, which we recommend arranging visits in public spaces.
One of the most powerful tools for immediate safety in a domestic violence case is an order of protection. In New York, you can seek an order of protection in family court, criminal court, or both, depending on the situation.
A temporary order of protection can take effect the day you file, even before a full hearing, and typically remains in place until the next court appearance. If the judge finds sufficient evidence of abuse, the order can be made final and last for months or years. An order can:
Our attorneys can help you apply for an order of protection quickly, prepare the necessary evidence, and argue for the conditions that best protect you and your children. We also help you understand what happens if an order is violated and what relief is available when you need it most.
Domestic violence cases in New York often straddle two systems: criminal court and family court.
In criminal proceedings, you may see charges such as aggravated harassment, assault, menacing, or stalking, depending on what happened. A conviction for a domestic violence‑related offense can lead to jail time, probation, mandatory counseling, and long‑term consequences for immigration or parenting rights.
Whereas in family court, the focus is on custody, visitation, and ongoing safety rather than punishment. At the same time, a family‑court ruling can shape where you live, how access to your children is managed, and whether the abuse escalates or diminishes.
At The Law Office of Patricia Machado, we understand both sides. As a full service firm, we coordinate strategies so that what happens in criminal court does not unintentionally undermine your protections or future in family court, and vice versa.
Domestic violence work is never just “good guy vs. bad guy.” Families are complicated. You may love a partner you fear, or share children with someone you no longer trust. At the same time, children are often deeply attached to both parents and can suffer when conflict rages around them.
We approach every case with an eye toward protecting your safety and your children while still acknowledging that family relationships matter. This means balancing:
Whether you are fleeing abuse or defending against an allegation, our attorneys help you take control of your narrative, strengthen your position, and set up arrangements that put your long‑term safety and your family’s wellbeing first.
When false domestic violence claims are weaponized in custody, divorce, or immigration disputes, early and strategic defense is needed. In some cases, an angry ex‑partner, a custody misunderstanding, or a miscommunication turns into a formal allegation that can follow you for years.
We develop defense strategies that attend to both the legal facts and the emotional context. At The Law Office of Patricia Machado, we can:
Through investigation and extensive motion practice, we aim to expose false allegations for what they are and restore fairness to the proceedings without downplaying your responsibility toward the safety and wellbeing of your children.
If you or someone you love is dealing with domestic violence, whether as a victim, a parent, or someone accused, early legal guidance can make all the difference. Many of our clients first call us when they feel stuck. You may be afraid to confront your abuser, worried about losing your children, or terrified that a criminal case will ruin their future. We’re here to protect what matters most, you and your children.
The Law Office of Patricia Machado offers judgment‑free, compassionate support to victims and the falsely accused alike. We help you:
If you need a domestic violence attorney in Manhattan, call (212) 568-4550 or contact us online today. We are ready to listen, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward a safer life.
Domestic violence in New York covers various forms of abuse within close relationships, including physical assault, threats, stalking, harassment, destruction of property, sexual assault, and coercive control. Emotional and psychological patterns that create fear or entrapment can also be part of a domestic‑violence claim.
An order of protection can forbid the abuser from contacting or approaching you, stay away from your home or workplace or school, limit or supervise visits with the children, and sometimes require counseling or supervision. Violations can result in additional charges or arrest, which makes the order a powerful safety tool.
Yes. Family or criminal courts can issue a temporary order of protection the same day you file, which usually remains in effect until a formal hearing. A final order, after a hearing, can last much longer and carry stronger enforcement tools.
A false allegation can still lead to arrests, orders of protection, and negative impacts on custody or immigration status. We investigate evidence, expose inconsistencies, and make sure your side is heard so the court can distinguish true abuse from misuse of accusations.
Yes. A substantiated pattern of abuse can be a central factor in denying or restricting custody or visitation. At the same time, allegations without proof should not automatically disqualify a parent. We help courts see the full picture, whether you are the alleged victim or the accused.
Yes. New York, with a focus on the Manhattan area, offers several confidential support services for people dealing with domestic violence, including hotlines, shelters, and counseling programs. Our office can help you connect with these resources while we handle the legal side of your case. Some helpful resources include:
When you contact The Law Office of Patricia Machado at (212) 568-4550, let us know if you need referrals to shelters or counseling; we can help you navigate both these resources and the legal process at the same time.
