Family Violence

West Virginia Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

Family violence is a very serious matter, and its presence causes deep and far-reaching damage to all involved, including children. However, false allegations of domestic abuse or child neglect frequently arise in child custody proceedings as one party tries to gain an unfair advantage over the other, and such charges, even if unsubstantiated, can result in immediate loss of parenting rights.

Domestic violence or abuse charges often lay the groundwork for everything that follows in a divorce action, and can lead to criminal charges. When a party in a divorce files a domestic violence petition, the court immediately issues an order denying the accused parent contact with children until a contested domestic violence hearing is held.

In an Abuse & Neglect case, where there are allegations that a parent has abused and/or neglected children, the Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), Child Protective Services (CPS), can immediately remove the children from the home and place them in foster care, and ultimately terminate their parental rights and place the children for adoption. If someone from DHHR or CPS wants to talk to you regarding your children, please contact us immediately so that we can advise you on the rules of the game before you incriminate yourself.

If you have been accused of family violence, child abuse and/or neglect, we will guide you through the legal process, prepare for the hearing, vigorously protect you, and help you retain your parental rights.

At the law firm of Joseph Brophy Cordell, our primary focus is on protecting children from harm – both at home and in the courtroom. We understand the emotional distress that families in crisis experience, and the especially painful effects of false allegations of abuse. You can trust that we will provide open-minded, aggressive, and effective legal services to those accused of domestic violence, child abuse, and child neglect. 

Licensed in both West Virginia and Maryland, our firm represents clients mainly in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle and Western. Maryland, and have made Court appearances in the communities of Martinsburg, Charles Town, Berkeley Springs, Romney, Keyser, Moorefield, Petersburg, Clarksburg, Fairmont, and Charleston in West Virginia; and have made Court appearances in the communities of Hagerstown, Cumberland, Frederick, Rockville, Westminster, Baltimore and Towson in Maryland. Our offices are conveniently located in Martinsburg across from the Berkeley County Courthouse.

Contact us today for your free initial consultation. 

Joseph Brophy Cordell, Attorney at Law
115 ½ West King Street
Martinsburg, West Virginia 25401
Phone 304 263 3377
Fax 304 263 3378
Maryland 301 745 6464
Email