From 2003-2006, Richard Mere was the primary trainer of attorneys for Protective Orders for the Lafayette Parish Bar Association. He has participated in hundreds of Protective Order Hearings, both in representing the needs of truly abused persons, and in defending those improperly accused of abusing their partners and/or children.
There are several laws protecting spouses and children from physical and sexual abuse, including Protective Orders under Title 46, Protective Orders for parties getting a divorce, the Post-Separation Family Violence Relief Act, and statutes under the Children’s Code, and the Louisiana Civil Code. These laws, as written by the legislature, are very powerful, and offer a great deal of protection for abused persons. Some of these laws protect children from parents, parents from children, dating partners, persons who live together, household members, and dating partners. However, the proper combination of these laws, and who they apply to, is sometimes complex.
Often, the person who has suffered abuse, is confused about which one of these laws apply, because they are often filled out by the injured party, who may not understand all of the consequences of filing a Protective Order. In many of these cases, what the injured party is seeking, and what is actually requested, are different. For the protection of the abused party, and the protection of a person alleged to have committed abuse, a qualified attorney needs to review the documents, and help both sides in creating a remedy that will protect them both.
Additionally, the truly abused person does not feel that they can follow through because they lack representation. Richard Mere has helped people in both of the above situations. Sometimes a person seeking protection needs help properly presenting their case. Sometimes the individual wrongfully accused needs to prevent the wrongful issuance of Protective Orders, when no abuse has taken place.