The phrase “love doesn't cost a thing” has apparently never represented someone falsely accused of domestic violence, child abuse, and other heinous crimes. The truth is, staying in a volatile relationship—no matter how strong your feelings are for your partner—exposes you to life-changing legal consequences.

The media-dominating defamation case between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard shows just how far allegations of domestic abuse can escalate. Before your volatile relationship ends up following a similar path, we recommend that you find a way out.

New Jersey Law Provides Many Outlets for False Accusations

It's absolutely right that New Jersey's legal system protects those who claim to be victims of abuse. Abuse victims need protection, and many well-intended features of our criminal code exist to help these victims in need.

However, the very same resources for abuse victims serve as means of false reporting.

New Jersey provides at least three phone numbers for reporting child abuse. These hotlines have saved countless children from ongoing abuse but also allow irate, unsound individuals to file false allegations against innocent partners.

The statewide Domestic Violence Hotline has allowed untold numbers of abuse victims to get the help they need. The hotline has also provided a quick, easy means for volatile partners to start life-changing legal battles against someone they're simply mad at.

Many people in volatile relationships may fail to realize just how easy it is for a partner to turn their lives upside down. In most cases, this possibility is only one phone call away.

Never Underestimate the Threat of a Scorned Partner

Those who have been in a highly volatile relationship know: Nothing is out of the question when an unpredictable partner is in an unhealthy state of mind.

We've seen clients suffer because their significant other:

• Made a false report of child abuse to New Jersey’s Department of Children and Families (DCF)
• Initiated a temporary restraining order (TRO) based on a false allegation of domestic violence
• Was able to gain a final restraining order (FRO) based on a false accusation of abuse
• Filed repeated false allegations of mistreatment, even if it meant violating NJ Rev Stat § 2C:28-4, which prohibits filing false reports to law enforcement

When strong emotions and romantic histories are involved, there is no telling how far a current or former partner will go to ruin your life.

If You're Involved in a Domestic Dispute, Hire an Attorney

Even if you've yet to encounter any formal legal issues, there is no harm in contacting an attorney about your current situation. If you sense that a partner could levy a false allegation against you, then you want your attorney to be documenting your situation today.

Attorney Joseph D. Lento and his team at the Lento Law Firm have represented many clients suffering because of a volatile relationship. We can work to prevent possible legal consequences and also advise you on how to avoid similarly harmful circumstances in the future.

If you're already embroiled in a domestic legal issue, you should absolutely retain us. Call the Lento Law Firm today at 888-535-3686 or contact us online. We're available around the clock to discuss your domestic situation.