Navigating Domestic Violence Orders

Summary

In North Carolina, Domestic Violence Protective Orders (DVPO) can be issued when domestic violence is alleged. Violating a DVPO can lead to criminal charges. If the DVPO is unjust, it can be contested in court. Individuals who cant represent themselves due to mental incapacity may be represented by a guardian ad litem. Legal aid may not always be available, but the North Carolina Bar Associations Lawyer Referral Service can help find a lawyer. Court-appointed lawyers are typically for criminal cases, but a guardian ad litem can be requested in civil cases by informing the judge of the individuals condition and inability to represent themselves.

Full Conversation

Civil case
Hello Norma, could you please give more specifics about your civil case? Also, it'd be helpful if you could share your location as the laws can vary by region.
Lumberton, NC *
Hello Norma, thank you for providing your location. Could you please explain a bit more about the nature of your civil case? For example, is it a contract dispute, personal injury case, family law matter, etc.? This will help me give you more tailored advice.
My son is mentally handicapped. Woman across the street took papers out on us.
Hello Norma, I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Could you please tell me more about the papers the woman across the street took out on you? This is crucial in understanding your legal position.
Domestic violence order
Hello Norma, in North Carolina, Domestic Violence Protective Orders (DVPO) can be issued when a person alleges domestic violence.
- It's important to respect the order's conditions.
- Violating a DVPO can result in criminal charges.
- If the DVPO is unjust, you can contest it in court.
You may need a lawyer's advice.
It stated on the paper we had to be in court on Tuesday, my son can’t comprehend and he doesn’t really talk.
I understand your concern, Norma.
- In NC, individuals who can't represent themselves due to mental incapacity may be represented by a guardian ad litem.
- Consult a lawyer to arrange this before the court date.
I tried that. Legal aid will not help
I'm sorry to hear that, Norma. You can try reaching out to other legal resources such as the North Carolina Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service. They might be able to assist you in finding a lawyer who can help with your case.
What is there number
The North Carolina Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service can be reached at (*) *-*. Their website is www.ncbar.org.
Can’t see the number
I'm sorry for the inconvenience, Norma. The number for the North Carolina Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service is (*) *-*.
What about a court appointed lawyer
In North Carolina, court-appointed lawyers are typically provided in criminal cases. However, in some civil cases involving vulnerable individuals, a court may appoint a guardian ad litem. You could request this at the court hearing.
Can’t see it
I apologize for the inconvenience, Norma. Concerning a court-appointed lawyer, they're typically provided for criminal cases in NC. For certain civil cases, a guardian ad litem might be appointed. You can request this at the court hearing.
How do I request it in court
In North Carolina, you can request a guardian ad litem for your son by:
- Informing the judge of your son's condition.
- Expressing your son's inability to represent himself.
- Requesting a guardian ad litem to represent him.
It's advisable to do this at the start of the hearing.
Can’t see it
I'm sorry for the confusion, Norma. In North Carolina, when your case starts, inform the judge about your son's condition and his inability to represent himself. Then, request a guardian ad litem to represent him.
Can’t see
I apologize for any difficulties, Norma. To request a guardian ad litem in court, inform the judge about your son's condition at the start of the case. Then, ask for a guardian ad litem to represent him.
Okay I guess that is all the information you can give me
Yes, Norma. Should you have more questions later or need further clarifications, don't hesitate to reach out. Wishing you the best with your case.
Thank you
You're welcome, Norma. If you need any more legal information in the future, don't hesitate to contact us. Best of luck with your case.
Goodbye
You're welcome, Norma. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need further legal information in the future. Goodbye and best of luck with your case.