If you are experiencing domestic violence in Ocean County, you have the right to immediate legal protection under New Jersey’s Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (N.J.S.A. 2C:25-17). Horn Law Group represents both victims seeking restraining orders and individuals defending against allegations at the Ocean County Superior Court Family Division in Toms River. We handle emergency TRO filings, Final Restraining Order hearings, and the custody and support issues that arise in every domestic violence case.
Our attorneys handle the full scope of domestic violence matters for families in Toms River, Brick, Lakewood, Jackson, Point Pleasant, Barnegat, Manchester, and throughout Ocean County New Jersey:
New Jersey’s restraining order process has two stages: a Temporary Restraining Order that provides immediate protection, followed by a Final Restraining Order hearing where a judge decides whether to make the protection permanent. In Ocean County, all hearings take place at the Ocean County Superior Court Family Division in Toms River.
Domestic violence cases move on a compressed timeline. You may have as few as 10 days between the TRO and the hearing that determines whether a permanent order is entered. The attorney you choose — and how quickly you act — directly affects the outcome.
Our office is located at 801A Main Street, Toms River, NJ 08753. Call (732) 736-9300 to speak with an attorney today.
Go to the Ocean County Superior Court Family Division at 118 Washington Street in Toms River during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.) and file a complaint with the Domestic Violence Unit. A judge can issue a Temporary Restraining Order the same day. After hours, go to your local police department — officers can reach a judge by phone for an emergency order. A Final Restraining Order hearing is scheduled within 10 days.
A TRO is an emergency order issued immediately, without the defendant present, and lasts up to 10 days. An FRO is issued after a full hearing where both parties testify and present evidence. The key difference: an FRO is permanent, triggers fingerprinting and weapon surrender, and can include permanent custody and child support provisions.
The Prevention of Domestic Violence Act (N.J.S.A. 2C:25-19) defines domestic violence as any of 19 specific criminal acts — including assault, harassment, stalking, terroristic threats, criminal mischief, and cyber-harassment — committed by a spouse, former spouse, household member, dating partner, or co-parent. Physical abuse is not required. Threats, intimidation, and controlling behavior all qualify.
Yes. A TRO or FRO can grant you temporary custody, suspend the other parent’s parenting time, order supervised visitation, and award temporary child support. These provisions override any existing custody order. Under N.J.S.A. 9:2-4, domestic violence is one of the most heavily weighted factors in custody determinations.
You are not required to have one, but the FRO hearing involves live testimony, cross-examination, and evidence presentation in a single session that determines whether a permanent order is issued. The court does not appoint attorneys for restraining order cases. Legal representation significantly affects outcomes for both plaintiffs and defendants.
Yes. A Final Restraining Order can restrict or eliminate parenting time, require supervised visitation, and affect legal custody. The FRO record can also be used in future custody proceedings. If you have children and are involved in a restraining order case, addressing custody during the FRO hearing is critical.
