$500,000 Restraining Order Case

The Case

Our client, a 38-year-old mother of two, endured years of escalating domestic violence from her husband — a prominent San Diego business owner. The abuse ranged from verbal and emotional manipulation to physical assaults that left her hospitalized twice. Despite filing police reports, she felt trapped by her husband's wealth, social connections, and threats to take the children if she ever tried to leave.

When she finally found the courage to reach out to Elevate Law, she was living in fear. Her husband had already hired a high-powered attorney who was filing preemptive motions to gain custody, claiming she was mentally unstable. She needed immediate protection and an attorney who wouldn't back down from a well-funded opponent.

Our Strategy

Senior Associate Sarah Mitchell took the case on an emergency basis. Within 24 hours, we filed for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) and obtained a temporary emergency protective order from the court. We documented the history of abuse through medical records, photographs, police reports, text messages, and witness statements from neighbors and family members.

Simultaneously, we filed a civil lawsuit seeking damages for the physical and emotional harm inflicted over the years. We retained trauma specialists and psychologists who testified to the long-term effects of the abuse on both our client and her children. Our forensic investigation also revealed financial abuse — the husband had been systematically draining joint accounts and transferring assets to shell companies.

The Outcome

The court granted a permanent restraining order with a 5-year duration, awarded our client sole legal and physical custody of both children, and ordered the husband to pay for ongoing therapy for the entire family. The civil case resulted in a $500,000 settlement covering compensatory damages for medical expenses, emotional distress, lost wages, and punitive damages reflecting the egregious nature of the abuse.

Our client has since relocated to a safe community, enrolled in a nursing program, and is rebuilding her life with the support of her family and community. She has become an advocate for other survivors of domestic violence.