Divorce

If the judge believes that there is family violence against you or your children, the judge is supposed to issue an injunction as part of the divorce. The injunction will be called an “abuse prevention order.” It will be entered into the Louisiana Protective Order Registry. It will order your spouse to do all of the following things:

• have no contact with you or your children, except for specifically defined situations. This may mean communication about the children’s education, health, and welfare, along with any other purpose you agree to;
• stay at least 50 yards away from you and your children, as well as your home, school, or workplace - unless you specifically agree they can be there;
• stay at least 50 feet away from your vehicle, except as needed for court-ordered visits or if your spouse lives or works near you.¹

The judge may also choose to prohibit your spouse from:

• physically or sexually abusing you or your children; or
• harassing you.²

If the injunction is violated, your spouse may be held in contempt of court. If you have children and your spouse violates the order, all court-ordered visitation with the children will stop.³

¹ La. Rev. Stat. §§ 9:366(A); 9:362(4), (5)
² La. Rev. Stat. §§ 9:372(A); 9:372.1
³ La. Rev. Stat. § 9:366(B)