San Mateo County Domestic Violence Lawyer

If you or a loved one in San Mateo County is experiencing domestic violence, immediate legal help is available. Whether you need protection through a restraining order or defense against false accusations, our experienced domestic violence lawyers provide compassionate, confidential representation to protect your rights and safety.

Woodman Garcia-Sepulveda Law serves San Mateo County families with over 25 years of family law and domestic violence experience. Based in Redwood City, we represent clients throughout San Mateo County—including Redwood City, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, San Mateo, Belmont, Foster City, and surrounding communities. We fight for your rights and safety, whether you need protection from abuse or defense against accusations.

Domestic violence cases require immediate action and experienced legal representation. We can help you obtain emergency restraining orders, navigate San Mateo County Superior Court procedures, and understand your rights and legal options. Contact us today for a confidential consultation—available in English and Spanish.

What Is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence includes abuse or the threat of abuse toward a partner or family member. This may include abuse against a spouse, domestic partner, or child.

Domestic violence may involve physical harm, sexual assault, and other forms of physical violence. However, domestic violence comes in a variety of forms beyond physical abuse. It can also include abusive behavior, such as harassment, stalking, and threats of violence.

People do not always recognize the signs of domestic abuse. In an abusive relationship, a partner may frequently use intimidation or threats to get what they want. They may also frequently embarrass their partner, treat them roughly, or prevent them from doing what they want.

If you feel scared of your partner, make excuses for their behavior, or stay with your partner out of fear of what they would do, you may be a victim of domestic abuse. You should contact a domestic violence attorney immediately to explore legal solutions to your situation.

What Is a Domestic Violence Restraining Order?

A domestic violence restraining order provides a form of protection for people suffering from abuse or threats of abuse. In the state of California, a restraining order can include personal conduct orders, stay-away orders, and residence exclusion orders.

Personal conduct orders are intended to stop specific acts, such as harassment, assault, and stalking. Stay-away orders require the “restrained person” to stay at least 50 or 100 yards away from the “protected person.” The stay-away order may cover the protected person’s residence, place of work, and their children’s school or daycare.

The court may also grant a residence exclusion order, which essentially requires the restrained person to move out. This order is typically only requested in domestic violence cases where the victim lives with the abuser.

Requesting a restraining order involves filing court forms and waiting for a judge to review your situation. If the judge grants the restraining order, he or she will first issue a temporary order that covers the period up to your court date. Working with a Domestic Violence Attorney can help make this process a little less stressful and less confusing. Contact us for more details.

When to Contact a Domestic Violence Attorney

Whether you are facing charges or a victim of domestic violence, time is of the essence. For victims, it is important to receive help quickly to decrease the risk of future violence. You need to protect yourself and any children involved, which is often where a restraining order comes in.

For those accused of domestic violence, acting quickly is also important, as it provides more time to gather evidence, obtain witness statements, and prepare your defense.

Contact an Experienced Domestic Violence Attorney in San Mateo County

Woodman Garcia-Sepulveda (WGS) Law is prepared to assist with your legal situation. Whether you need help filing a restraining order or determining your next step in a domestic violence case, we can work with you to achieve the best possible outcome.

Attorney Flora Garcia-Sepulveda has practiced law since 1998 and specializes in family law matters, including domestic violence and divorce. She understands the complexity of these situations and can help you better understand your rights and responsibilities. 

With over 25 years of experience, we have seen it all. Our expert legal knowledge and courtroom experience can help protect your interests. 

The next step is to schedule a consultation. Let’s discuss your case.