I'm working on a novel in which a teenage boy is routinely physically abused by his mother. His mother's boyfriend hits him and hurts him more severely, the mother and son press charges and seek a restraining order against the boyfriend.
Does anyone know what sort of hearing would take place and who would be present? Would this be in a courtroom with a judge? Who else would be there?
At the hearing, the boy speaks up and says he is being abused by his mother as well. Someone is present who can verify that she has seen bruises on his body, so the judge or whomever is conducting the hearing knows he's telling the truth. Would this result in an immediate restraining order against the mother as well? Also, the boy is 18 but still in high school and still dependent on his mother financially. If the court did place a restraining order against his mother, what would happen to him then, given that he's legally an adult?
I know this is a difficult topic, and I'm really grateful for any help/advice/experience anyone has to share. Thanks!
Does anyone know what sort of hearing would take place and who would be present? Would this be in a courtroom with a judge? Who else would be there?
At the hearing, the boy speaks up and says he is being abused by his mother as well. Someone is present who can verify that she has seen bruises on his body, so the judge or whomever is conducting the hearing knows he's telling the truth. Would this result in an immediate restraining order against the mother as well? Also, the boy is 18 but still in high school and still dependent on his mother financially. If the court did place a restraining order against his mother, what would happen to him then, given that he's legally an adult?
I know this is a difficult topic, and I'm really grateful for any help/advice/experience anyone has to share. Thanks!