Cincinnati Domestic Violence Attorney

Domestic Violence Attorney in Cincinnati

Cincinnati Family Law Attorneys Handling Civil Protection Orders Since 2009

Goldberg Evans was founded by attorneys Trista P. Goldberg and Shawn M. Evans. Domestic violence civil protection orders are one of the family law matters we handle, and they most often reach our clients as part of a broader divorce or custody case rather than as a standalone proceeding. We represent both people seeking protection and people responding to a petition, keeping our approach focused on each client’s specific situation and their family’s well-being.

Under Ohio Revised Code 3113.31, a family or household member, or a person in a dating relationship with the respondent, may petition the domestic relations court for a civil protection order. That civil proceeding runs separately from any related criminal charges, which means it has its own timeline, its own hearing process, and its own terms that can directly affect a pending divorce or custody case.

If you’re dealing with a civil protection order matter in Cincinnati or the surrounding counties, we’re available to talk. Call (513) 927-9759 to speak directly with an attorney.

A Family Law Firm Prepared for Both Sides of a Protection Order

Both Trista Goldberg and Shawn Evans have practiced family law exclusively since 2009, building their careers at larger firms before founding Goldberg Evans to combine that depth of experience with the personal attention a boutique practice can offer. When you contact us, you speak with an attorney directly, not a call center or a paralegal screening your call.

Protection order matters don’t always stay inside one courtroom or one state. Our attorneys regularly appear in Hamilton, Warren, Clermont, and Butler Counties in Ohio, and in Kenton, Campbell, and Boone Counties in Kentucky. Trista Goldberg is licensed in both Ohio and Kentucky, so when a matter crosses the Ohio River, we can follow it. Shawn Evans brings extensive trial experience to contested hearings, and both attorneys’ training in the collaborative process shapes how they approach the family law issues that run alongside a protection order case.

Professional Recognition

Trista Goldberg and Shawn Evans have each been named to Super Lawyers and hold a Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished peer-review rating. Trista is also a trained Collaborative Law Attorney and Mediator, and both attorneys are members of the Collaborative Law Practice group of the Cincinnati Academy of Collaborative Professionals. Those credentials reflect a commitment to resolving family law matters thoughtfully rather than reflexively escalating them.

Ohio’s Civil Protection Order Law: What ORC 3113.31 Covers

Ohio Revised Code 3113.31 governs domestic violence civil protection orders, which are filed in domestic relations court rather than criminal court. A petitioner may seek an order against a spouse, former spouse, co-parent, someone who lives or lived in the same household, or a person in a dating relationship. The civil process is entirely separate from any criminal protection order, which a criminal court issues in connection with pending charges.

After a hearing, the court may grant a protection order or approve a consent agreement addressing contact restrictions, residential arrangements, and custody-related terms. Because those terms overlap directly with what a divorce or custody case will eventually address, the civil protection order proceeding can shape the family law case running alongside it.

The Hamilton County Civil Protection Order Process

Petitions for a domestic violence civil protection order in Hamilton County are filed with the Hamilton County Court of Domestic Relations through its Domestic Relations Docket Office. The process moves quickly once a petition is filed.

Ex parte hearing: Held no later than the next court session day after the petition is filed, allowing the court to consider an emergency order without the other party present
Full hearing: Scheduled within ten court days of an ex parte order, giving both parties an opportunity to present evidence
Order duration: A civil protection order can remain in effect for up to five years and may be renewed

That ten-day window between an ex parte order and the full hearing is often a consequential period in the case. Having counsel prepared before that hearing, whether you’re the petitioner or the respondent, can affect how that proceeding goes.

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Stories From Families We’ve Helped

What Our Clients Have to Say About Working with Us.

Family law and protection order matters are among the most personal situations a person can face. The clients who share their experiences below trusted us during difficult moments, and their words reflect the kind of relationship we work to build with everyone who calls our firm.

“Beyond Professional”
“Her assistance was personable, valuable, and far beyond professional.”

- Joe H.
“Responsive & Professional”
“I would definitely recommend Shawn Evans.”

- Leah P.
“Highly Recommend”
“She took the time to help me understand the legal process so I could feel confident in my case.”

- Priya S.
“Forever Appreciative”
“I’ve needed an attorney who was not just versed in the law but one who would bother to really understand the dynamic and put the time and thought into resolutions that would protect me and my children.”

- Julie G.
“Very Knowledgeable”
“I always felt my case was a priority and my thoughts and concerns heard.”

- Jan T.
“Stellar Service”
“She presents with tenacity and is brilliant, skillful, and masterful in her representation.”

- Robin T.
“Highly Recommend”
“I was met with kindness and empathy throughout the entire process, but also with strength, support, and an admirable amount of transparency with possible outcomes.”

- Jessica D.
“Unrelenting”
“I hope this review helps someone in their search for a top notch lawyer. You would not regret choosing Trista and her team!”

- Scott W.

View All Reviews

When a Protection Order & a Divorce or Custody Case Overlap

A civil protection order proceeding and a separate divorce or custody case can run at the same time, and their terms interact. Temporary custody arrangements, residential restrictions, and parenting time limitations granted in a protection order carry real weight in the family law case alongside it. These aren’t parallel tracks that ignore each other. Decisions made in one proceeding regularly influence the other.

Violating a domestic violence civil protection order in Ohio is a first-degree misdemeanor for a first offense. A repeat violation rises to a fifth-degree felony, and a violation committed during a felony becomes a third-degree felony. Understanding those stakes, and how a protection order affects everything else in a family law case, is part of the counsel we provide.

Talk to an Attorney About Your Protection Order Matter

Whether you’re considering filing for a civil protection order or you’ve been served with one, decisions made early in the process can have lasting effects on your family law case. Goldberg Evans offers a complimentary phone consultation so you can describe your situation and understand your options before committing to anything.

Call (513) 927-9759 to speak directly with Trista Goldberg or Shawn Evans. We serve clients throughout Hamilton, Warren, Clermont, and Butler Counties in Ohio and neighboring Kentucky counties.

Collateral Consequences, Modifications & Terminations

A civil protection order carries consequences beyond its stated terms. A respondent in Ohio may be required to surrender firearms and can face employment restrictions depending on the nature of the order. These collateral effects aren’t always visible at the time of the hearing, but they can affect professional licenses, background checks, and other areas of life.

Circumstances change. Either the petitioner or the respondent may file a motion to modify or terminate a civil protection order after a full hearing. The party seeking the change bears the burden of showing that the order is no longer necessary or that its terms are no longer appropriate given what has changed. If you’re in that position on either side, we can walk you through the process and what the court will want to see.

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Ready to discuss your concerns? Contact Goldberg Evans today to schedule a consultation with an attorney who will guide you every step of the way.

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