Order of Protection Lawyer Putnam County, NY
You have experienced harassment, threats, or violence from someone in your household or an intimate partner. You feel unsafe and need immediate legal protection. An order of protection issued by the Putnam County Family Court can legally restrict contact and help create a safer environment, but the petition process must be handled correctly. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents individuals seeking family offense petitions in Carmel and throughout Putnam County, New York. Our team guides clients through each step, from preparing the petition to representation at the hearing. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Advocacy Without Borders.
How Our Firm Approaches Order of Protection Cases in Putnam County
When you come to us for help obtaining an order of protection, we first listen to understand the circumstances you are facing. We then identify the type of order that fits your situation—temporary or final—and gather the facts necessary to present a clear and persuasive petition to the Putnam County Family Court. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel team work to ensure the court receives a complete picture of the conduct involved and your need for protection.
Our approach emphasizes preparation and clear communication. We help you organize any supporting documents, such as text messages, emails, or police reports, and we prepare you for what the judge may ask during the hearing. Because we appear regularly before the Putnam County Family Court, we are familiar with the local procedures and the judicial expectations in the 9th Judicial District. We treat every matter with the urgency it deserves, while also advising on longer-term considerations—such as child custody or support provisions that an order of protection may include.
What to Expect When Pursuing an Order of Protection
The process typically begins with filing a family offense petition at the Putnam County Family Court, located at 20 County Center, Carmel, NY 10512. You will complete a written petition describing the alleged conduct, and you will appear before a judge the same day to request a temporary order of protection. If the judge finds good cause, a temporary order will be issued and served on the respondent. The temporary order remains in effect until the next court date, usually within a few weeks.
At the return hearing, both sides have the opportunity to present evidence. The court may hear testimony and consider documents before deciding whether to issue a final order of protection. A final order can last up to two years—or up to five years if the court finds aggravating circumstances. The order may include provisions for child custody, visitation, and support, as well as orders to surrender firearms and to stay away from your home, school, or place of employment. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel are prepared to represent you through each stage, advocating for the protections you need.
What an Order of Protection Covers and Its Effects
An order of protection is a court directive that restricts the respondent’s conduct toward you. In Putnam County, orders can direct the respondent to: refrain from any contact with you or your children, stay away from your residence, workplace, or school, vacate a shared residence, surrender firearms, pay temporary child support, and comply with any other conditions the court finds necessary to protect you. Violating an order can result in criminal contempt charges and further legal consequences.
An order of protection does not automatically resolve underlying custody or divorce matters, but it can provide immediate safety and a foundation for future family law proceedings. The Putnam County Family Court handles both the protective order and related custody or visitation arrangements, so your petition may also address parenting time while the order is in effect.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor. Mr. Sris has been practicing law for more than twenty-eight years and is admitted to the bars of Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Through the firm’s New York location in Buffalo, he and his Of Counsel represent individuals across the state, including clients in Putnam County who are seeking orders of protection. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova).
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience. Results may vary. While the firm focuses on a range of practice areas, its family law team has extensive experience handling protective order matters in New York. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented 4,739+ case results since 1997. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an order of protection in New York?
An order of protection is a court order that restricts a person’s contact with you because of alleged domestic violence or family offense. It can require the person to stay away from you, your home, or your workplace, and may include other conditions. New York Family Court Act Article 8 governs these orders, and the Putnam County Family Court handles petitions for residents of the county.
How do I get an order of protection in Putnam County?
You file a family offense petition at the Putnam County Family Court in Carmel. Go to 20 County Center, describe the incident, and ask to see a judge. If the judge finds good cause, a temporary order of protection will be issued the same day. You will then appear for a later hearing where a final order may be granted. An attorney can assist you with preparing the petition and presenting your case.
What types of orders of protection are available?
New York law provides temporary orders of protection and final orders of protection. A temporary order lasts until the next court date, typically a few weeks, while a final order can be in place for up to two years—or five years if aggravating circumstances are found. The order may be full (no contact) or limited (some contact permitted under specific conditions).
Can an order of protection include child custody provisions?
Yes, the Family Court can include temporary custody and visitation orders in an order of protection. The judge may decide who the children will live with during the order’s duration and set a parenting schedule. The court focuses on the child’s safety and the best interests of the child standard. Any custody provisions remain in effect only for the order’s term; separate petitions may be needed for permanent arrangements.
What happens if someone violates an order of protection?
Violating an order of protection is a criminal offense in New York. The respondent can be arrested and charged with criminal contempt in the second degree (a misdemeanor) or first degree (a felony for violating certain provisions). You should report any violation to the police. The court may also modify the existing order to add stronger restrictions.
How much does it cost to file for an order of protection?
There is no filing fee for a family offense petition in New York Family Court. The court does not charge to file the petition or to process the temporary and final orders. If you choose to hire an attorney, fees vary by case; contact our firm for a consultation about costs. You are not required to have a lawyer, but legal representation can help protect your rights.
Do I need a lawyer to get an order of protection in Putnam County?
You are not required to have a lawyer, but an attorney can significantly improve your chances of obtaining the order you need. The petition process involves specific legal standards, and the respondent may be represented. An experienced attorney can prepare your evidence, anticipate challenges, and argue effectively on your behalf. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents petitioners in Putnam County Family Court.
Where can I find an order of protection lawyer near me in Putnam County?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. serves clients throughout Putnam County, including Carmel, Brewster, and Cold Spring. Our New York location is in Buffalo, but we appear in Putnam County Family Court and handle matters electronically and by appointment. To discuss your situation, call (888) 437-7747.
Our family law practice serves clients across New York. Learn more about representation in neighboring counties:
- New York County (Manhattan) Family Law Lawyer
- Kings County (Brooklyn) Family Law Lawyer
- Queens County Family Law Lawyer
- Nassau County Family Law Lawyer
- Richmond County (Staten Island) Family Law Lawyer
Official resources for Putnam County family offense matters:
- Putnam County Family Court — court location, hours, and forms
- New York State Unified Court System — Family Court Help — statewide information
- NY Courts — Orders of Protection — overview of the process
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.