Badge - Rated by Super Lawyers Victor A. Rotolo
Badge - Rated by Super Lawyers Anthony P. Kearns third
Badge - Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Badge - Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forums
Badge - New Jersey Supreme Court Certified Attorney
Badge
Badge - New Jersey's Best Lawyers For Families 2018
Badge - AV Preeminent Victor A. Rotolo 2024
Badge - Client Champion Gold 2024
Badge - Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce
Badge - Top 100 The National Trial Lawyers
Badge - Best Lawyers
Please click Award & Selection Criteria & Methodology for information regarding the specific criteria used for selection of each of the above awards.

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is defined by the American Medical Association as “the physical, sexual, and/or psychological abuse to an individual perpetrated by a current or former intimate partner.” An intimate partner can refer to anyone dating or people who are cohabiting.

Domestic violence is not just physical violence, fighting or arguing. Domestic violence may be a chronic abuse of power that tortures and controls the victim by calculated threats and intimidation. Actual physical violence is often the end result of months or years of intimidation and control. While domestic violence is gender–neutral, women are more likely to experience injuries or incur psychological damages from their partners.

Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)

In New Jersey, domestic violence is taken very seriously. If there are any signs of physical injuries, police must arrest the abuser immediately, even without witnesses. A temporary restraining order (TRO) may be requested against an abuser by applying to the Family Division of Superior Court, Domestic Violence Unit. This order prohibits an abuser from harassing or entering a residence, among other things. If the court is closed, TROs can be obtained from a local police department.

TROs bear a date by which a person and his or her alleged abuser are required to appear in court for a hearing, usually within ten days of the original issuance of the TRO; an attorney may be present. 

Final Restraining Order (FRO)

At the hearing, a judge determines if a final restraining order (FRO) is warranted. The judge will also decide at that time under what conditions and for how long the FRO should be in effect. Once a final restraining order is issued, it should be carried on one's person at all times. This makes its enforcement easier should the abuser violate the order.

If you or someone you love has been or is a victim of domestic violence, take steps to protect yourself or your loved one immediately. Kearns Rotolo Law understands the emotional stress domestic violence victims endure and will treat these cases with great concern and attention. Anthony Kearns, former Hunterdon County prosecutor, and Victor Rotolo, former police officer, protect the rights of their clients. Call today.

Super Lawyers Badge

Victor A. Rotolo has been included on the List of New Jersey Super Lawyers in the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 marking his nineteenth year of inclusion on this list. The list of New Jersey Super Lawyers is generated by the Thomson Reuters organization which employs the following methodology and set of standards to compile the list each year. Super Lawyers Selection Methodology [No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court.]

Certified Civil Trial Attorney Badge

Victor A. Rotolo is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a Civil Trial Attorney.

"A certified attorney is more than just an attorney who specializes in a particular area of law. A New Jersey attorney who is certified by the Supreme Court as a civil trial attorney must have:

  • been a member in good standing of the New Jersey bar for over 5 years
  • demonstrated a substantial level of experience in civil trial law
  • been favorably evaluated by other attorneys and judges familiar with his or her work
  • taken and passed a written examination in civil trial law."

Source: Supreme Court of New Jersey, Board on Attorney Certification, Brochure on Certified Civil Trial Attorney. See Rule 1:39: Specialty Certification of Attorneys.

Please note: Your initial half-hour consultation session is free.

What Our Clients are Saying
★★★★★

I was very proud to be represented by Tony and felt secure at a time I needed a compass to head out of a difficult bind. Confidence in your counsel and a sense of security in understanding how best to proceed are important reasons to consider Anthony Kearns and his team of outstanding lawyers.

- Lynn
★★★★★

Tony was excellent! He was knowledgeable, responsive and on-time. His experience as a County Prosecutor definitely helped our case as he knows how the legal system works and how to navigate. I highly recommend Tony and his office.

- Matt
★★★★★

Thankfully I found Kearns Rotolo Law and I had a wonderful experience working with Charles Rifici on a difficult divorce/child custody issue. I am so grateful for all the work and guidance he provided. He always took his time and diligently went through all my options with me so I could make the decisions that benefitted my family and I. I will be forever thankful for the top notch services he provided.

- Cinthya
★★★★★

In March of 2022 I contacted Kearns Rotolo Law Firm with an urgent problem, Mr. Kearns and Mr. Rotolo contacted me immediately to give me hope as to rectify my problem. The end result was Mr Kearns was able to solve my issue through extreme professionalism, I am very grateful I found Kearns Rotolo Law firm and I would recommend their law firm to anyone that has a less extreme problem or a more complex problem, I am very grateful for their services.

- Bill
★★★★★

I met with Mr. Kearns yesterday about a devastating situation affecting our family. Mr. Kearns and his entire staff made us feel extremely comfortable and showed our family a compassionate side that gave us comfort in the most uncomfortable of situations. Thank you very much. God Bless.

- Christian