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534 Delaware Ave, Suite 433 | Buffalo, New York 14202
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Orders of Protection

Buffalo Orders of Protection Attorneys

Dedicated to handling domestic violence cases

Domestic violence is a serious problem that affects families throughout New York and across the nation. It comes in many forms, from constant harassment to threats of violence to child abuse. Domestic violence issues in the home often lead to spouses filing for divorce or separation, but sometimes even these measures are not enough to protect victims from their attackers.

The Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis is dedicated to helping victims of domestic violence and those accused of committing domestic violence throughout the Buffalo metropolitan area. Orders of Protection are often critical in preventing victims from suffering further abuse, harassment or violence. We have extensive experience representing both victims of domestic violence and those charged with domestic violence in civil and criminal courts. Protect yourself and your children by contacting our family law attorneys today.

How to obtain Orders of Protection

Orders of Protection can be issued in the Supreme Court, criminal court or family court. We can assist you in seeking an Order of Protection if you are:

  • A current or former spouse
  • Related by blood to the accused
  • The parent of a child with the accused
  • Involved or previously involved in an “intimate relationship” with the accused.  When considering whether an intimate relationship existed, courts consider the nature, duration and interactions between the parties. This relationship does not have to be sexual in nature.

However, in criminal court, you can seek an Order of Protection against someone with whom you have no relationship.  In addition, clients can seek Orders of Protection in both courts simultaneously.  Orders of Protection generally last for two years, but can be extended up to five years if “aggravating circumstances” exist or if the order is violated.

Generally, Orders of Protection are divided into two categories — “stay away” orders and “refrain from” orders. “Stay away” orders prohibit the accused from coming within a specified distance of the victim and any children that they share. These orders also prevent the accused from coming near a victim’s workplace, place of residence or any other frequently visited locale. “Refrain from” orders prohibit the accused from contacting, assaulting, menacing or harassing victims in any way.  Orders of Protection may include both “stay away” and “refrain from” provisions, as well as additional terms concerning supervised visitation, temporary child support, suspension of firearm licenses and forced exclusion from a shared residence.

Important considerations

If you have been issued an Order of Protection, it is critical to understand how serious this matter is. If you violate the terms of your order, the consequences can be much harsher than the penalties for the underlying offense, and can rise to criminal conduct. If an Order of Protection has been entered against you, complying with its terms is always in your best interests.  Violating an Order of Protection could result in serious penalties, and learning your rights and responsibilities under this order can prevent you from serving time behind bars.

Effective representation. Proven results.

Call the Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis today at 716.886.9600 or contact our firm online to schedule an initial consultation.  From ouroffices conveniently located in Williamsville and downtown Buffalo, we represent clients living throughout the Buffalo metropolitan area and Western New York, including:

  • Akron
  • Amherst
  • Batavia
  • Cheektowaga
  • Clarence
  • Depew
  • Elma
  • Grand Island
  • Hamburg
  • Kenmore
  • Lancaster
  • Lewiston
  • Lockport
  • Orchard Park
  • Niagara Falls
  • Snyder
  • West Seneca
  • Tonawanda
Randy  S.  Margulis Attorney Photo
Randy S. Margulis
Member

As a Buffalo divorce lawyer for 28 years, I have devoted myself to solving the problems that affect families throughout the Buffalo metropolitan area and Western New York. As a family law attorney, I make it my goal to create a partnership of trust with my clients. People put their trust in me to handle cases that can potentially have a long-lasting impact on not only their lives, but the lives of their family as well.

Alexandra M. Rockwood Attorney Photo
Alexandra M. Rockwood
Senior Associate

Alexandra M. Rockwood is a Senior Associate Attorney with the Law Offices of Randy S. Margulis & Associates and has been with the firm since early 2020. She primarily practices in the areas of matrimonial and family law, including divorce, child custody, and child support. Alexandra is a practicing matrimonial and family law attorney as…

Reviews & Ratings
  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Divorce is always an unpleasant event and my case was no exception, yet the guidance, professionalism and ethical strategy that Randy Margulis provided was essential in finding the best solutions for my children, my ex-wife and myself. As the proces...

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    Client

  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Divorce is always an unpleasant event and my case was no exception, yet the guidance, professionalism and ethical strategy that Randy Margulis provided was essential in finding the best solutions for my children, my ex-wife and myself. As the proces...

    Read more

    Client

  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Randy Margulis is knowledgable of Domestic Law, dedicated, responsive, personable, aggressive and effective. I came to him on a friend's recommendation as well as Randy's reputation, and during the initial consultation I liked his approach and track ...

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    Client

  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Found Mr. Margulis to be a very organized and professional individual to work with. He is well-respected by his peers and is spoken of highly, I believe this helped with my divorce and made things go smoothly. I would highly recommend his services ...

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    Client

  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Randy is very firm and effective in court while empathetic to his clients. I am a domestic violence victim, and Randy made me feel safe and protected. My financial award was more than I envisioned it to be when I started my divorce. I can't thank ...

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    Client

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AWARDS
BUFFALO / WESTERN NY
  • Niagara
  • Tonawanda
  • Amherst
  • Cheektowaga
  • Hamburg
  • Lancaster
  • Orchard Park
  • West Seneca
  • Akron
  • Batavia
  • Clarence
  • Kenmore
  • Lockport
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