Protecting Yourself and Your Children in Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, and Beyond
If you are a victim of domestic violence in Bergen County, New Jersey, you are not alone. Whether you’re experiencing abuse in Hackensack, harassment in Fort Lee, threats in Teaneck, or stalking in Paramus, you have the legal right to protect yourself and your children. This guide is designed to help you understand your rights, the legal process of obtaining a restraining order, and how it can affect your divorce and custody proceedings.
At Guaranteed Divorce Mediation, our team of experienced divorce lawyers in Bergen County and New Jersey family court attorneys are committed to helping victims of domestic violence protect their rights, navigate the legal system, and move forward with strength and security.
Table of Contents
- What Is Domestic Violence in New Jersey?
- Immediate Safety Planning in Bergen County
- How to File for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)
- Understanding Final Restraining Orders (FRO)
- How Restraining Orders Affect Divorce and Custody
- Preparing for Your Hearing at the Bergen County Courthouse
- Evidence to Support Your Case
- Financial Recovery and Stability for Victims
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Bergen County Domestic Violence Resources
- Why Legal Representation Matters
- Contact Information and Next Steps
1. What Is Domestic Violence in New Jersey?
Under the New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (PDVA), domestic violence includes multiple forms of abuse. These acts can be committed by a spouse, dating partner, someone you live with or used to live with, or the parent of your child.
Recognized acts of domestic violence:
- Physical abuse (assault, battery, criminal restraint)
- Emotional abuse (harassment, threats, stalking)
- Sexual abuse (sexual assault, criminal sexual conduct)
- Financial abuse (theft, property destruction)
- Technological abuse (cyber-harassment, GPS stalking)
Even if there’s no visible injury, repeated threats, controlling behavior, or intimidation can qualify as domestic violence under New Jersey law.

2. Immediate Safety Planning in Bergen County
If you are in danger, your safety comes first. Take these steps:
Emergency Contacts:
- Call 911 immediately.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (thehotline.org)
- Center for Hope and Safety: (201) 944-9600 – 24/7 hotline
- Bergen County Family Justice Center: (201) 336-7575
Local Hospitals with Emergency Services:
- Hackensack University Medical Center
- Holy Name Medical Center (Teaneck)
- Englewood Health
Create a Personal Safety Plan:
- Keep copies of documents in a secure, hidden location
- Prepare an emergency bag with cash, phone, documents
- Have a list of trusted friends or relatives you can call
- Save threatening messages, photos of injuries, and proof of abuse
3. How to File for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)
You can file for a TRO at the Bergen County Justice Center:
- 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601
- Phone: (201) 221-0700 (Family Division)
Step-by-Step TRO Process:
- Go to the courthouse or police station and ask to file a domestic violence complaint.
- Fill out the TRO application, including:
- Your contact info
- Respondent’s info
- Description of the incident(s)
- Any children involved
- You will speak to a judge that same day, in-person or virtually.
- If granted, the TRO is served to the abuser by local law enforcement.
If the courthouse is closed, go to your local police department to file for emergency protection.
4. Understanding Final Restraining Orders (FRO)
A Final Restraining Order (FRO) hearing is typically scheduled within 10 days of your TRO.
At the FRO hearing:
- You and the abuser can both testify
- You’ll present evidence of abuse (texts, photos, witnesses)
- A judge will decide if the abuse occurred and if protection is still needed
If granted, an FRO includes:
- Permanent no-contact order
- Custody orders
- Firearm forfeiture
- Financial support, if needed
FROs in New Jersey do not expire unless lifted by a judge.
5. How Restraining Orders Affect Divorce and Custody
A restraining order can change the dynamics of a divorce case dramatically. If you’re planning to file for divorce in Bergen County, or already have, a restraining order affects:
Custody & Visitation:
- Abusers are unlikely to receive custody
- Supervised visitation may be required
Marital Property & Alimony:
- Abuse may impact how assets are divided
- Courts may award more spousal support to the victim
Living Arrangements:
- FRO may grant you exclusive use of the marital home
For structured representation from a Bergen County divorce lawyer or restraining order attorney in New Jersey, we offer the legal experience and strategic guidance you need to protect yourself and your family.
6. Preparing for Your Hearing at the Bergen County Courthouse
Tips for Court Day:
- Bring photos, police reports, messages, medical records
- Organize a timeline of abusive incidents
- Bring a witness if possible
- Dress professionally and arrive early
You may request:
- Separate waiting rooms
- Sheriff escort after court
- To bring an advocate or attorney with you
Even if you’re nervous, focus on your facts. Your voice matters.
7. Evidence to Support Your Case
Types of evidence that strengthen your restraining order case:
Physical Evidence:
- Photos of bruises or injuries
- Property damage
- Torn clothing
Electronic Evidence:
- Voicemails
- Texts, emails, or DMs
- Social media threats
Witness Statements:
- Family, friends, neighbors, co-workers
Official Records:
- Police reports
- ER/hospital records
- Past TROs, if any
Pro Tip: Create a chronological abuse timeline. It helps the judge understand the pattern.
8. Financial Recovery and Stability for Victims
Immediate Options:
- Apply for TANF, SNAP, or housing assistance
- Open a bank account in your own name
- Speak with a DV advocate for shelter options
Long-Term Support:
- Vocational training through Bergen County One-Stop Career Center
- Job placement help via Center for Hope and Safety
- Family court can award temporary spousal and child support in conjunction with an FRO
If you’re divorcing, our family court lawyers in Bergen County can help protect your financial stability while pursuing a fair resolution.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I get a restraining order if we’re not married?
Yes. Protection is available to dating partners, roommates, or anyone with a close relationship.
Q: Will my employer find out?
Only if you choose to tell them or request time off for court. NJ law protects your job during this process.
Q: What if we share a business or mortgage?
The court can include business or financial limitations in the restraining order to protect your interests.
Q: How long does the process take?
- TRO: Same day
- FRO: Within 10 days
- Divorce: 3–12 months depending on complexity
10. Bergen County Domestic Violence Resources
Bergen County Family Justice Center
10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601
Phone: (201) 336-7575
Services: Legal advocacy, shelter referrals, case management
Center for Hope and Safety
24/7 Hotline: (201) 944-9600
Website: hopeandsafetynj.org
Services: Shelter, legal aid, counseling, children’s programs
Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office – DV Unit
Phone: (201) 646-2300
Statewide Resources
- NJ Courts DV Self-Help: njcourts.gov/self-help/domestic-violence
- NJ Coalition to End Domestic Violence: njcedv.org
- National DV Hotline: thehotline.org | 1-800-799-7233
11. Why Legal Representation Matters
The Process Is Complex
Restraining orders require evidence, confidence, and courtroom skill. Most people benefit from having an attorney guide them.
Choosing the Right Advocate
Our New Jersey restraining order attorneys understand the local court system, judge preferences, and how to coordinate protection with family law filings.
Protecting Long-Term Interests
An attorney can help with:
- Permanent custody orders
- Spousal support
- Protecting your credit and finances
- Future modifications to restraining orders
12. Contact Information and Next Steps
Every moment you wait could increase your risk. Take control today.
✅ File for protection at the Bergen County courthouse.
✅ Call the Family Justice Center or Center for Hope and Safety.
✅ Document everything.
✅ Call or text 201-205-3201 to schedule a free consultation with a trusted divorce and family lawyer in Bergen County.
Guaranteed Divorce Mediation offers divorce and restraining order help in New Jersey with:
- Court representation in family and DV cases
- Custody and support protections
- Local Bergen County legal advocacy
You are not alone. We’re here to help.
This guide is general information and not legal advice. For personalized legal support, contact a domestic violence or family law attorney.
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