In Prescott, Arizona, it has been confirmed that the mother of sextuplets who are the stars of a reality TV series has filed for legal separation from her husband and also intends to seek sole custody of her children.

Days after her husband, Bryan Masche, was arrested for threatening her at a family member's residence, Jennifer Masche filed her separation petition.  Recently, Bryan pled not guilty to three counts of domestic violence as well as one count of resisting arrest.

Reports indicate that the court documents were filed on September 17^th in Yavapai County and show that the mother is seeking sole custody of the sextuplets who were born in June 2007 at a Phoenix hospital.  She is also seeking reasonable visitation rights for the children's father.

The Masches currently star in "Raising Sextuplets" on WE TV.

If you are looking to file for legal separation in California, contact our law office to explore your options with a Riverside family law attorney.

Anytime people have become victims of domestic violence, whether physical, emotional or sexual, they should take the following steps to protect themselves:

1.  Call 911 or the police.  It is important that people report instances of domestic abuse to law enforcement and also make sure that police reports are filed.

2.  Get medical help.  People who have suffered injuries as a result of domestic violence should always seek treatment for their wounds.

3.  Seek safety.  Instead of remaining in a house with an abusive individual, a victim should stay with a close family member or friend. 

4.  Speak with a family lawyer and get a restraining order.  One of the best things people can do when they have been subjected to abuse from an intimate partner or family member is to get help from a lawyer that can secure a restraining order.  This will keep abusers from contacting or harassing victims.

People who have been abused in domestic environments should retain the services of a Riverside family law attorney.  Contact the Law Office of Michael R. Young if you have been a victim of domestic abuse and would like to obtain a restraining order in Riverside.

Recently, it was announced that four counties in the state of California will be rolling out a brand new software system.  Eventually, it is believed that the system will link all domestic violence records throughout the state.

The counties:  Marin, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara and Orange, have agreed to participate in a pilot program.  The software is expected to provide a searchable database of restraining orders that have been scanned.  Last week, Marin was the first county to start using the system.

This new registry will not only track domestic abuse cases, but also elder abuse, harassment and even juvenile cases.  The California Courts Protective Order Registry was created after an order was issued by the state judiciary.  It is hoped that that the Registry will help judges create protective orders that are standard across county lines.

By the end of 2013, it is anticipated that the system will track restraining orders in all 58 California counties.

If you are a domestic violence victim in Riverside, now is the time to contact the Law Offices of Michael Young and discuss your options with a Riverside family lawyer.

This week, news sources are buzzing about new GPS technology that is meant to help victims of domestic violence.  In fact, the creator of the GPS Monitoring Solutions product says the device was crafted for the purpose of protecting domestic abuse victims.

Petra Fuhriman said, "We have the only technology available in California today, obviously being a new technology that would prevent domestic violence and murders when there are restraining orders issued."

According to Fuhriman, the device will use GPS technology to track people's whereabouts.  A person would wear the device on his or her ankle and then the victim would be given a cell phone number to monitor the person wearing the anklet.  This would allow the victim to know as soon as the person wearing the anklet is in close proximity or violating terms of a court issued restraining order. 

If you have been a victim of domestic violence in Riverside, you should speak with a Riverside family law attorney today.  Contact the Law Office of Michael R. Young.

If you are going through a tumultuous family law matter, such as domestic violence, you may find that you are in need of a restraining order.  In the state of California, there are several different types of restraining orders for you to choose from and they are detailed further below:

-   Emergency Protective Order:  this order is valid for 5 days and is issued by police.  Usually, victims of domestic abuse seek this type of order.

-   Criminal Protective Order: people who wish to obtain this type of order will have to go through the District Attorney's Office.  This order is commonly issued when a person is a victim of domestic violence and wishes to have zero contact with the abuser.

-   Domestic Violence Temporary Restraining Order:  this order is valid for 3 weeks.  However, people can request for this order to remain intact for 1 - 3 years, which is helpful for those who have been harassed or assaulted.

-   Civil Harassment Restraining Order:  this order is used to put an end to any type of harassment, from menacing phone calls to stalking.

For more information on restraining orders, contact the Law Offices of Michael R. Young to arrange to speak with a Riverside family lawyer.

Domestic violence or abuse is a specific pattern of behavior where violence and/or emotional coercion is/are used to gain and maintain power or control in a relationship. Abuse may be a continuing action or it may be a single incident of assault. Abuse can be physical, sexual, psychological/emotional, or even economic. It can include threats, the destruction of property, and/or.

Physical abuse examples include:

Hitting, punching, slapping

Kicking, Burning, Choking, Shoving or Biting

 The use of objects or weapons against one

Locking up or confining

Interfering with sleeping or eating

Restricting the mobility or access of a disabled or differently ambled partner

Sexual Abuse examples:

Forcing sexual acts

Sexual assault with or without weapons or objects used as weapons

Assault for refusal to engage in sexual activity

Emotional or Psychological:

Repetitive and excessive criticism

Humiliation and degradation, which can include swearing, name calling and put-downs

Restricting or controlling access to personal or social resources or friends

Threats or harm to pets, threats to harm you or your family or friends

Economic

Controlling finances

Stealing money

Creating debt

Interfering with employment or education

Destruction of property

Destruction of property or personal items

There are other forms of abuse but the above stated ones are some of the more common. If you are involved in a marital relationship or divorce and are a victim of domestic violence or abuse, set up a consultation with our Riverside family law attorney. You can contact us at 866-902-5290.

A dispute over a child custody arrangement has led to the hospitalization of a young girl.

The Victorville Daily Press reports that Nicolas Alexander, 26, was arrested for throwing an object at a moving vehicle containing his children, and then trying to pull the children out of the vehicle while it was still moving.

Authorities say Alexander and the children's mother were fighting over a court-ordered child custody arrangement. Police were called after one of the children, a 5-year-old girl, suffered traumatic injuries. According to reports she jumped out of the vehicle when Alexander opened the door to pull the kids out.

The girl was transported to a nearby hospital, but it is believed she was not seriously hurt.

Experienced Domestic Violence Lawyer Serving San Bernardino

Unfortunately, many incidents of domestic violence are spurred by disagreements over child custody and other family law issues. If you and your spouse or partner disagree over a particular issue, do not let it escalate into an argument that escalates even further into abuse. 

Riverside domestic violence attorney Michael R. Young serves clients in both Riverside and San Bernardino who are involved in some type of family law dispute. If you and your spouse or partner need help resolving a child custody, visitation, or child support matter, please do not hesitate to contact the Law Office of Michael R. Young for help! It's in your best interest to contact Mr. Young rather than getting involved in a violent fight or argument and facing criminal penalties.

There is no way to tell whether someone is abusive or violent while behind the comfort of closed doors. People you think would never hit a woman, harm a child, or manipulate a loved one are usually very good at masking their true colors. In front of others, these people often come off fun, outgoing, and very friendly. Little do you know they actually turn into monsters as soon as they come home at night. 

While there is no way to tell for certain whether someone is abusive, the following signs may indicate there's a potential for violence or abuse:

• They have a quick temper and tend to overreact about little things
• They often use force, violence or harsh words to solve their problems
• They are cruel to animals
• The punch walls or hit things when they are upset
• They abuse drugs and/or alcohol
• The tend to get jealous very easily
• They tend to be overly controlling
• They are very demanding and hold high expectations over their loved ones
• They are very forceful
• They have two distinct personalities. Sometimes they are super friend, other times they are so mean and angry it’s frightening
• They often talk about “getting even”
• They grew up in a family affected by domestic violence
• People act afraid when they become angry
• People avoid making the person mad at all costs
• People are always trying to placate the person
• They have access to guns or weapons

If you notice these signs or this type of behavior, do not rush out and accuse the person of domestic violence. Instead, reach out to the person and ask if they are okay and if everything is alright at home. It’s very likely that if the person is abusive they will not admit to it, and unfortunately there is nothing you can do about it. But if for some reason the opportunity arises where you do learn violence is occurring in the home, there are ways you can help.

Michael R. Young is a  Riverside domestic violence lawyer who has years of experience helping victims of violence and abuse. If you suspect a friend or loved one is being abused, Mr. Young can provide you with information and resources you can pass on, such as therapists your friend can talk to or how a victim can file for a restraining order.

Domestic violence continues to haunt millions of people throughout the United States every day, and unfortunately it continues to go unreported.  Many victims of domestic violence never report the violence and abuse, usually because they are afraid of making the situation worse or because they believe the violence and abuse is going to stop. Sadly, the abuse doesn’t stop and the cycle of abuse continues to turn.  If you suspect someone you know is being abused, neglected or mistreated, there are signs you can look for that may indicate domestic violence.  These signs include:

• Personality changes, such as depression, acting withdrawn, etc.
• Low self-esteem
• Self-blame, being overly apologetic
• Absences from work or school
• Injuries or bruises, especially black eyes, red or purple markings around the neck or arm, sprained wrists or ankles, broken ribs, etc.
• Constant excuses for new injuries or bruises
• Trying to hide or cover up injuries or bruises
• Not having an opinion, being indecisive or passive, or not knowing how one feels
• Lack of friends, or being isolated from friends, relatives, and coworkers

If you notice these signs in a friend or loved one, try asking if there is something wrong and if they want to talk about it. Often times, victims of domestic violence don’t talk about what’s going on at home because they are ashamed to bring it up or don’t know how to bring it up. By reaching out to them, you will let your friend or loved one know it’s okay to let the walls come down and get the help they need.  There is a chance your friend will not talk about what’s happening at home, and never will.  In these situations, there are still ways you can get your friend or loved one the help he or she needs. To learn more, contact the Law Office of Michael R. Young.  As an experienced Riverside domestic violence attorney, Mr. Young has helped many clients obtain protection and relief from violence and abuse, and would be happy to help you in any way he can.

Actor Charlie Sheen was arrested on domestic violence charges on Friday.

Sheen was vacationing with his wife Brooke Mueller in Aspen, Colorado when the incident took place.  Mueller allegedly called police Friday morning after she and Sheen got into a fight.  Supposedly Sheen was upset about Mueller’s partying and she went ballistic.  Mueller allegedly told police that Sheen choked her, but then later changed her story.

According to the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Department, the “Two and Half Men” star was booked for assault, criminal mischief, and menacing.

Sheen was released Friday night after posting $8,500 bond.  He is due back in court February 8.

Sheen’s publicist immediately responded, urging the public not to jump to conclusions until an investigation is complete and the case has been wrapped up.

Despite this altercation, Sheen and his wife are not planning to file for divorce, according to Sheen’s manager, Mark Burg.

Domestic violence is typically talked about as an injustice committed against women and children.  While there are thousands of innocent woman and children who fall victim to domestic violence every year, it is important to realize that men can be victims of domestic violence as well.

There are have been numerous studies that have found women are just as capable of abusing men as men are capable of abusing women.  Although a woman may not be as strong as a man, she can still inflict physical violence against a man.  For example, a woman is perfectly capable of hitting, punching, kicking, or even burning a man, all of which are examples of domestic violence.  Furthermore, domestic violence does not always refer to physical violence.  Stalking, harassment, and financial abuse are also considered forms of domestic violence, something a woman is perfectly capable of committing. 

Lately it seems like domestic violence has become a popular topic in the media.  The incident that took place in February between singers Chris Brown and Rihanna made national headlines, and continues to make headlines nearly 10 months later.  Domestic violence has also been rumored in the Tiger Woods scandal.  It was reported that Woods’ wife Elin chased Tiger out of the house with a golf club, bashing in his car window before Tiger eventually crashed into a tree.  Saturday Night Live made a skit about the incident between Tiger and his wife, one that was met with much controversy.  And promotional footage for the new MTV reality show Jersey Shore shows a female cast member getting punched in the face by a man at a bar.  That footage has now been pulled from the air and will be used in an anti-domestic violence campaign.

While all the attention being paid to domestic violence is good way to raise awareness, we shouldn’t forget that domestic violence begins at home, and there are things we can do to reduce the rate of violence and abuse.

First, if you or a loved one is being abused, threatened, or mistreated, REPORT IT!  So many instances of domestic violence and abuse go unreported.  By filing a complaint with the police or contacting an experienced domestic violence attorney, the appropriate steps can be taken to stop the violence.  An attorney can also help you file for a restraining order.  

If you are someone who feels angry, and you have found yourself wanting lash out at loved ones, get the help you need. Whether you speak with a therapist or just to a friend, openly discussing what is making you angry can help you work through the anger issues you are experiencing before they manifest into physical violence.

If you are a parent, teach your children about violence, and talk to them about how violence, abuse, and making verbal assaults is not the way to get what you want or how to resolve a problem. Although bad behavior is often learned at home, it is also the place where good behavior starts.

If you or someone love is a victim of domestic violence or abuse, an experienced Riverside domestic violence attorney at the Law Office of Michael R. Young can help you obtain a restraining order. 

A restraining order is a court order that prohibits the offender from coming within a certain distance of the victim or from making contact with the victim.  In California, there are multiple types of restraining orders.  If you are in need of protection from an abuser or stalker, a Riverside domestic violence lawyer at our firm can help you obtain one of the following types of restraining orders:

• Emergency Protective Order
• Domestic Violence Restraining Order
• Temporary Restraining Order
• Restraining Order after Hearing

In addition to seeking a restraining order for yourself, an attorney at our office can help you obtain a restraining order for your children or your loved ones as well.

Family violence experts say that holiday stress can lead to incidents of domestic violence and abuse, especially when a there is a history of domestic violence in the family.

“There are definitely unique stresses that come on during the holiday season. And particularly now in times of an economic downturn, where families are stretched thin,” said Brian O’Connor of the Family Violence Protection Fund.

O’Connor stated that he does not believe the holiday season itself causes domestic violence to occur, but rather the emotions the holiday season can easily stir up. 

“The holiday season and just the overall pace of it, that really compounds some of the deeper-seeded issues around, say, a history of violence.”

O’Connor also said the pressure to constantly be happy, cheerful, and have fun also has a tendency to intensify violence.

Gift giving is another factor that may lead to incidents of violence.  When one feels pressure to spend money on gifts, but is strapped for cash, he or she may take out his or her frustrations by committing abuse or acts of violence against loved ones.