That’s what a woman from Colts Neck whispered to me during our first call.
She hadn’t been hit.
But the screaming, the threats, the control — it was constant.
She was walking on eggshells in her own home.
And now that she was thinking about leaving, the fear was growing.
“He said if I try anything, he’ll ruin me.
But I can’t live like this anymore.”
If you're afraid of your spouse, ex, or partner...
you’re not overreacting.
New Jersey law takes domestic violence seriously — and so should you.
Even if the abuse isn’t physical,
even if you’re not sure what to call it,
you may still qualify for legal protection.
Under NJ’s Prevention of Domestic Violence Act, courts can issue a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) based on:
✅ Assault
✅ Harassment
✅ Stalking
✅ Verbal threats
✅ Emotional abuse
✅ Property damage
✅ Control, intimidation, and isolation
And that TRO can become a Final Restraining Order (FRO) — one that lasts indefinitely, with serious consequences for violations.
👋 I’m Steve Kaplan, 
a divorce and domestic violence lawyer in Monmouth County for 37+ years.
I've helped thousands of people take safe, legal action when the situation at home turns toxic — or dangerous.
That’s why I created Steve Kaplan’s Divorce Course — a free, private daily email series that walks you through:
✅ Whether you qualify for a restraining order
✅ What behavior NJ courts take seriously
✅ What happens if you get a TRO — and what to expect at the FRO hearing
✅ How to stay protected, legally and physically
✅ What to do before you say a word to your partner
If you're afraid, unsure, or just need clarity — this course is for you.
📩 Enter your email in the form on this page to get your first lesson immediately.
It’s free. It’s confidential.
And it could be the first step to real safety and peace.
