California Domestic Violence Attorneys

At Cage & Miles, we understand the urgency and sensitivity of domestic violence cases. Whether you need immediate protection through a restraining order or strong representation in related custody or divorce proceedings, our experienced attorneys are here to stand by your side. We provide compassionate yet aggressive legal advocacy to help you protect your safety, your rights, and your future.

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Family law attorney Deanne Arthur speaks with Certified Family Law Specialist Mehry Mohseni.

What is Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence is a difficult and emotional topic. As a result, most instances of domestic violence go unreported, even if the issue of violence is very relevant in most divorce and family law proceedings. Domestic violence is typically perpetrated in a pattern of or cycle of abuse, which is often used as a tool by the abuser to ensure the victim does not end the relationship. In addition, the victim is often in denial regarding the abuse due to the psychological effects of the cycle of violence.

It is important to clarify that domestic violence is not limited to physical abuse or domestic battery. Many forms of coercive control, verbal abuse, financial abuse, and disturbing the peace of another exist and are recognized by California family courts as domestic violence.

With years of professional experience helping hundreds of families throughout California, the domestic violence lawyers at Cage & Miles have the skills to help you create an informed plan to combat issues of domestic abuse. If you need help or information regarding restraining orders and protecting yourself, we can help.

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Domestic Violence in California

California family courts can only assist with domestic violence which occurs between individuals with a specific familial or dating relationship.

This means that the victim and alleged abuser must be any of the following:

  • A married couple
  • An unmarried couple who have children together
  • A couple who is divorced or separated
  • Two people who are dating or engaged in a romantic relationship
  • Two people who live together, or used to live together, in a non-roommate capacity
  • Closely related people, such as a parent and child, grandparent and child, or siblings
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What Constitutes Domestic Violence?

Domestic violence can include physical harm, domestic battery, mental abuse, threats of physical harm, financial abuse, verbal abuse, coercive control, and other types of prohibited conduct defined below by the California Family Code:

  • Placing a person in imminent danger of bodily harm
  • Recklessly or intentionally causing harm
  • Sexual assault, battery, molestation, or rape
  • Attacking or harassing another individual
  • Persisting, abusive, and unwanted contact
  • Disturbing the peace of a victim
  • Stalking or ignoring the terms of a restraining order
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How to Get Domestic Violence Help

The first step abuse victims can take to get out of their situation is apply for a temporary restraining order, which is a temporary protective order that can be approved on the same day. It is crucial to speak with an experienced domestic abuse lawyer or local domestic violence advocate to discuss the best way to time and prepare for obtaining a domestic violence restraining order. Every victim of domestic violence needs a firm safety plan in place because leaving the abuser is the most dangerous time in the cycle of abuse for the victim.

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Cage & Miles founding partner Shannon Miles and Certified Family Law Specialist Steven Brumer speak with colleagues in office.

Domestic Violence Services

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Speak With a Domestic Violence Specialist

Contact us for a confidential, introductory conversation with our Intake Specialist. We’ll talk with you about your unique family law matter, and match you with an attorney who is best suited to handle the particular issues in your case, so we can help you take the next step forward.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Client Testimonials

Hear directly from the individuals and families we’ve helped through complex, emotional legal matters. Their words reflect our commitment to clarity, compassion, and successful outcomes.

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I hired John Sylvester two years ago while I was going through several issues in my family law case. To date, he has helped me resolve every single one of those issues in my favor. His professionalism and knowledge of the law is second to none. He was always responsive when I had questions. He helped me understand how everything worked, from RFOs, to subpoenas, to trial litigation. John always had a plan, and he was always prepared. He was able to take all the information I gave him and make sense of it all. John never pushed me to spend more money and Rebecca the co-owner was kind enough to work out the financial aspects of my bills with me. I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with John, and I have already recommended him to friends and family who want the best family attorney in San Diego.

Anthony C

This review is long over due. I cannot say enough nice things about Jillian Duggan-Herd. Over the past several years, Jillian has helped me with multiple family law issues. Every single time, Jillian was able to help clear up the issues with integrity, honesty and a high standard of ethics. Jillian is a professional of the highest standards. Without the help of Jillian, I know that I would not have had the successful outcomes I have had. Jillian will stand by your requests and will guide you through what is sometimes a very stressful and lengthy process. Though there were MANY difficult challenges for Jillian in my personal cases, she did not falter. Not once... Thank you Jillian for the dedication, professionalism, honesty and integrity. Your hard work has allowed many smiles within our family and we are extremely grateful. On a scale of 1 to 10, you are an 11. Keep up the amazing work!

James Dougherty

Attorney John Sylvester represented me on an appeal filed by my ex on a domestic violence restraining order that I had won. Appeals are not easy. You come in after the fact and need to get up to speed. The Responsive Brief he wrote and filed was amazing. So much so that my ex filed for a dismissal of his appeal. I can't speak highly enough of John's knowledge of the law and his professionalism. I would (and will) recommend John to anyone out there looking for THE BEST family law attorney/appellate attorney.

Mandy Kersh

Traci Hoppes from Cage & Miles Law Firm went to battle for our family for a very sensitive and unsettling situation that regarded abuse. She involved herself as if she were fighting for a loved one, and learned the case as if it were a book she wrote herself. I have never been so impressed and proud of an attorney in my entire life. Our family highly recommends Traci Hoppes as well as the Cage & Miles Law Firm.

Richelle N

I cannot express enough gratitude for Alaina Lynch and her team. She provided exceptional legal representation during a challenging time. When I was seeking a domestic violence restraining order, Miss Lynch was not only knowledgeable and experienced but also compassionate and understanding. She patiently and professionally guided me through the process, ensuring my rights were protected. Their dedication and hard work were instrumental in securing the restraining order, providing me with the safety and security I desperately needed. I highly recommend Alaina Lynch to anyone in need of legal assistance.

Tara Nicot

Hi - I am eternally grateful for Traci Hoppes and her team at Cage & Miles - on the contrary of being a divorce attorney, she has saved our marriage. Traci is a CFLS (Certified Family Law Specialist) with an abundance of experience and expertise in her field of practice. She is also gifted with her experience and understanding of addiction and how to navigate these troubled waters. She has saved my young children from harm's way, and this is not a debt in which I can repay. Traci has forced my wife to look at herself and made her accountable for her actions, this in turn has brought about her sobriety and her joining AA. She is two years sober now and still working on herself. I am proud of her and her continued sobriety. Thank you again, Traci all the best to you!

Andy Chien

They are very good company to deal with the family law, I had Mehry Mohseni and Stephanie they did an awesome job. They will let you know what is going on in your case, help you how the court works and put you in the picture when you go inside the court what you expect to happen. They will prepare you for your court day very well.I’ll recommend them to anyone going through these kind of problems they will do their best for you.

Aya Lockman

My ex is a total asshole, I can't thank Cage & Miles enough for putting him in his place and helping me and my daughter get out of a really bad situation. Use Cage & Miles if your husband thinks he can take advantage of you!

Ashley L

Jillian Duggan-Herd guided me through a very stressful and contentious process with a level of care and expertise that far exceeded my expectations. During some very dark times, when I feared for the safety of my child, Jillian’s steady counsel was a source of comfort and hope. She handled my crisis with efficiency and professionalism, and I could not have asked for a better outcome! Jillian has fought hard for me at every turn. Her knowledge and experience enabled us to navigate the obstacles that threatened to derail the process, including situations involving returning my child from another state. Throughout the entire trying ordeal, Jillian and her team kept me well-informed and well-prepared.

Jay Zhou

I went to this firm because I was directed by a friend if I wanted to beat my case to use his firm. I was never hesitant. They assisted me from the beginning till the end. They never stopped working around the clock on my case, even with James Dooly would call me at 8 o'clock at night to make sure everything was going smoothly yet Basma Arcamone also took time to make sure I was ok after I was threatened by my counterpart. This firm takes care of their clients like they're actually their own family members. I recommend this firm to anybody and everybody especially James and Basma taking their time to do their best and at the end of the day I won my case! P.S they really are fair with pricing! Jose is an OG!!

Joe H.

I wanted to hire them but I couldn't because of a conflict of interest but I am well aware of a certain case that one of their lawyers is working on. I am close with her client (hence the conflict of interest). Jillian is an absolute beast and I totally wish I could hire her to take on my case! But she fights for her clients! She does her work and then some! She is on top of everything! She knows what she's doing and she is one of the best lawyers I've ever seen. If you're looking for a Trial/Family Law lawyer, she is the woman for you! She took my "friend's" case on and now his case is literally 180 from what it was before! Trust me, she is worth every penny!

Katey Figueroa

I cannot express my gratitude and immense satisfaction choosing Cage & Miles, my attorney was Mehry Mohseni. I work often with attorneys, both private and in the public sector. It is my opinion that Ms. Mohseni JD is possibly one of the great legal minds of our time. I had a rather difficult case that other attorneys seemed intimated by. But my Counsel Mohseni was tenacious, fought for what was RIGHT for my family, and always showed up with a smile and calm demeanor. Many times, I, myself, became frustrated and hopeless with family court. I could always count on a call or text from Ms Mohseni, explaining protocol or talking me off a cliff. Bright, knowledgeable and never backing down, she's a real Bulldog when you need one. Family court is never fun, but when you have the support of Cage & Miles, know you have the very very best!

Laurin C

I can not say enough about how helpful and professional both Shannon and Jaime are. They walked me through every step of my case and were always well prepared. They were both available to answer any questions I had during a tough time. Both of these ladies show great professionalism and dedication to their clients and I definitely felt this the whole time working with them. I would recommend them to anyone in need of a Family Law Attorney. Thank you both again!

Miranda T

I had been through 3 very popular and prominent family law lawyers in town, and it was only when I found Cage and Miles that my case actually moved forward and the resolution was in my favor! Thank you so much for standing by me through my most difficult times. I am forever grateful. Thank you to Basma and James for your hard work and commitment to what is just and right in a very twisted society.

Sahar S.
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Your Domestic Violence Attorneys

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Jaime N. Cage
Founding Partner
Jaime N. Cage
Jaime N. Cage
Jillian Duggan-Herd
Partner
Jillian Duggan-Herd
Jillian Duggan-Herd
Avi Levy
Partner
Avi Levy
Avi Levy
Adrian Doty
Attorney
Adrian Doty
Adrian Doty
Alaina Lynch
Attorney
Alaina Lynch
Alaina Lynch
Allison Kuska
Attorney
Allison Kuska
Allison Kuska
Ashley Bell
Attorney
Ashley Bell
Ashley Bell
Carmen Ramos
Certified Family Law Specialist
Carmen Ramos
Carmen Ramos
Chelcee Eads
Attorney
Chelcee Eads
Chelcee Eads
David Crosgrove
Attorney
David Crosgrove
David Crosgrove
Deanne Arthur
Attorney
Deanne Arthur
Deanne Arthur
Dillon Clayton
Attorney
Dillon Clayton
Dillon Clayton
Evan Wender
Certified Family Law Specialist
Evan Wender
Evan Wender
James Dooley
Certified Family Law Specialist
James Dooley
James Dooley
Jamie Learakos
Attorney
Jamie Learakos
Jamie Learakos
Lauren Trinrud
Attorney
Lauren Trinrud
Lauren Trinrud
Leyla Tabatabaie
Certified Family Law Specialist
Leyla Tabatabaie
Leyla Tabatabaie
Lindsay Abel
Attorney
Lindsay Abel
Lindsay Abel
Maria Spear
Certified Family Law Specialist
Maria Spear
Maria Spear
Mehry Mohseni
Certified Family Law Specialist
Mehry Mohseni
Mehry Mohseni
Naomi Fribourg
Attorney
Naomi Fribourg
Naomi Fribourg
Ryan Goulet
Attorney
Ryan Goulet
Ryan Goulet
Sandra Mayberry
Certified Family Law Specialist
Sandra Mayberry
Sandra Mayberry
Traci Hoppes
Certified Family Law Specialist
Traci Hoppes
Traci Hoppes
Vanessa Gomez
Attorney
Vanessa Gomez
Vanessa Gomez
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We’ll discuss your unique situation and match you with the attorney best suited to help you move forward.

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Serving southern California

Experienced Domestic Violence Attorneys Near You

Cage & Miles family law attorneys serve all of San Diego County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino. No matter where you are in Southern California, our family law attorneys are prepared to speak with you so that you can gain insight into the options for your family law case.

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Family Law

Domestic Violence and Divorce in California: What You Need to Know

Domestic violence can take many forms—physical, emotional, financial, or psychological—and has a major impact on how divorce cases are handled in California. This blog explains how allegations of abuse influence custody, support, and property division, and outlines the legal protections available to ensure safety and stability for survivors.
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Domestic Violence and Divorce in California: What You Need to Know
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Family Law

What Is a DVRO and How Can It Protect You?

A Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) is a court-issued order in California that protects individuals and families from abuse by setting legally enforceable boundaries for safety. This blog explains how DVROs work—from emergency protection to long-term orders—and how they impact divorce, custody, and ongoing legal protection for survivors.
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What Is a DVRO and How Can It Protect You?
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PDODs and RFOs and MSAs, oh my! – Acronyms You Need to Know in Divorce Proceedings

Learn essential acronyms like PDODs, RFOs, and MSAs to navigate divorce proceedings effectively and understand their impact on your case.
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PDODs and RFOs and MSAs, oh my! – Acronyms You Need to Know in Divorce Proceedings

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