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Gaithersburg Domestic Violence Attorneys

Domestic Violence Legal Advice in Maryland

As a relationship begins to unravel and tensions rise, arguments - violent and non-violent - sometimes occur. 

"There is a misconception that only actual physical violence can be charged or prosecuted. This isn't true. Emotional abuse or the threat of potential violence can be grounds for charging domestic violence." — Attorney Shelly McKeon

At The McKeon Law Firm, we have experience representing both men and women in domestic violence cases. Domestic violence is not necessarily strictly between a husband and wife. It can occur between unmarried partners, same sex couples, relatives sharing a home, and unrelated roommates.

Experienced Attorneys for the Accused or Accuser

In our experience, an issue of domestic violence between a married couple is followed by divorce proceedings in about half of the instances. A domestic violence order for protection is sometimes needed during the process of either separation or attempted reconciliation.

According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline and the statutes in Maryland, domestic violence includes, but is not limited to, the following situations:

  • Emotional abuse — Partner engages in name calling, insults and continual criticism; does not trust you; tries to isolate you from family or friends; monitors your activities; controls your finances or refuses to share money
  • Physical abuse — Partner damages property when angry; you have been pushed, slapped, bitten, choked, punched or kicked; abandons you in a dangerous place, scares you by driving recklessly; threatens you with a weapon; traps you in your home
  • Sexual abuse — Partner accuses you of cheating or exhibits jealousy; has forced or manipulated you into sexual acts; has held you down during sex; demanded sex after beating you; involved other people in sexual activities with you

Removing Fear to Face the Future

At The McKeon Law Firm, we replace fear with knowledge, confidence and the assurance that your divorce is being handled by attorneys with experience. Call our Gaithersburg law firm at either 301-417-9222 or 202-742-1800, or send us an e-mail to schedule an appointment with a lawyer. We look forward to helping you resolve or end your domestic violence situation.

Testimonials

  • 01/26/2012

    Thanks again for all of your help with these [financial] statements. They rank 2nd in the "worst part of this whole experience" category, but you made finishing them so much more bearable!

    R.R.

  • 01/10/2012

    ...wanted to thank you for your time last week. You really helped me keep focused when I needed it.

    [T.G.]

  • 12/28/2011

    You have been outstanding! If I ever need assistance in the future, I will definitely be back to you. Thank you so much for everything.

    [K.K.]

  • 12/22/2011

    Pam, you are an amazing attorney. I cannot thank you and everyone else enough for all the hard work you have put in during the past few weeks.

    [K.K.]

  • 12/06/2011

    Thank you so much for your patience and professionalism.

    [T.G.]

  • 11/29/2011

    This has been an awful time for both [spouse] and myself, emotionally, and I truly appreciate the role that the McKeon Law Firm has played. I needed an advocate who would protect my interests but not inject additional rancor, and you embodied that concept fully. I know that we are still in the midst of this process, but I wanted you to know how pleased I am to have you and your group of attorneys.

    [M.M.]

  • 11/29/2011

    Thank you for your work on my case, you were a great help.

    [J.B.]

  • 11/29/2011

    From an opposing counsel
    My thanks to you for your cooperation and for helping bring this matter to a satisfactory resolution. I appreciate it.

    [B.M.]

  • 11/22/2011

    [Following a final divorce hearing]
    Thanks for this morning, you were just perfect and what I needed as I almost lost it. It was much appreciated!

    [E.S.]

  • 09/20/2011

    [Following an initial client consultation]
    Shelly, I was really impressed with your knowledge and willingness to work in your client’s benefit.

    [L.H.]

  • 09/09/2011

    Thank you for today. I feel very well represented and supported by you and your Firm!

    [R.C.]

  • 07/19/2011

    Pam, Shelly, Jessica,
    Thank you very much for all your help and support through the process.

    [M.O.]

  • 07/13/2011

    Outstanding! Thank you so much for your help. Your guidance and knowledge of the law was incredibly helpful. I will certainly recommend your Firm to my clients.

    [A.L.]

  • 05/17/2011

    I was very happy with Ms. McKeon and came away feeling she was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and very clear in her answers even though she knew there was a chance I would not be retaining her on a permanent basis. Thank you for your time.

    [K.B.]

  • 05/04/2011

    Thank you for your reply. I feel much more comfortable now... Thank you again for your thorough and considerate reply - I have the best lawyers in Maryland!

    [C.K.]

  • 04/08/2011

    You guys are the absolute BEST!!!! You all have really been a blessing!! Thanks!

    [E.B.]

  • 04/07/2011

    I love it!! Happy is an understatement. You guys have been great!! I really feel that a good divorce attorney really needs to be good in both law, being able to deal effectively with clients like me and to protect them from themselves!! The more I look back (with a clearer mind), you really did a good job with me...

    [E.S.]

  • 03/29/2011

    Shelly is a very experienced litigator who is often ranked as one of the area's best divorce lawyers. She is, in addition, an absolutely lovely person. Every client I have ever sent her way has loved her, and has been delighted with both the quality of counsel and the level of service that they received with her practice. Shelly has two associates - both women - with whom she works very closely, and the three of them truly operate as a team, which means, among other things, that clients can always get the guidance they need. Although she will pursue litigation aggressively if need be, she is much more interested in actually solving the problem and getting you a good result without drama or unnecessary conflict.

    [A referring Montgomery County attorney]

  • 03/08/2011

    Shelly,
    Thank you so much for putting up with me and getting me through all of this. I have appreciated everything that all of your office has done for me. Thanks for everything.

    [L.D.]

  • 03/02/2011

    Thanks for caring; it means a lot to me. That's what makes you guys, The McKeon Law, different and special. I really just can't imagine where I would be without you guys!

    [E.S.]

  • 02/17/2011

    Pam, Thank you for all of your support, help and wisdom today. It has been quite a rollercoaster ride the last two years, but I am grateful for all the legal advice that I have received from The McKeon Law Firm.

    [G.M.]

  • 02/14/2011

    Pam, Thank you so much for your amazing professionalism and support during this process. This is as good as an outcome as I could have hoped for given the situation and I owe it to you and Shelly!

    [J.T.]

  • 02/10/2011

    Since I didn't get to see you yesterday, I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for all the hard work you did for my brother. It has been a pleasure and our good fortune to have you, Shelly, Jessica, and everyone in the office working on this case. My brother is extremely happy with the outcome. He told us afterward how he felt a weight had been lifted off of him. I'm sure we'll see you again during the finalization, but didn't want to wait till then to thank you.

    [G.C., brother of Firm client]

  • 02/08/2011

    Thank you again for all your hard work, you are pretty amazing!

    [D.C.]

  • 02/04/2011

    Well ladies, a successful day yesterday, thank you all for your part in that.

    [W.H.]

  • 01/20/2011

    Pam,
    Thanks again for taking the time to speak with me last weekend. No matter what the outcome, your halp Thanks again for the help - I wish I had you fighting for me since day-one.

    [W.C.]

  • 01/06/2011

    Pam, thank you for all of your help. Everyone there has been so helpful and supportive. I really appreciate it.

    [C.W.]

  • 12/08/2010

    Jessica, I appreciate all the hard effort.

    [A.V.]

  • 12/07/2010

    I recommend that you contact attorney Shelly McKeon for legal counsel in connection with your separation and possible divorce. Shelly is a very experienced litigator who is often ranked as one of the area's best divorce lawyers. She is, in addition, an absolutely lovely person. Every client I have ever sent her way has loved her and has been delighted with both the quality of counsel and the level of service that they received with her practice. Shelly has two associates - both women - with whom she works very closely, and the three of them truly operate as a team, which means, among other things, that clients can always get the guidance they need. She bills conservatively and at a reasonable hourly rate. Most important, although she will pursue litigation aggressively if need be, she is much more interested in actually solving the problem and getting what you need without drama or unnecessary conflict.

    [A referring attorney]

  • 12/06/2010

    Thank you very much for the wonderful job you all do, I hope to be a great lawyer like all of you in the future.

    A.V. [a client also attending law school]

  • 11/30/2010

    I would like to thank all of you for all of your help. It is rare to find people that genuinely care. The level of compassion and expertise were well above any expectations. I am truly grateful for your help.

    K.D.

  • 10/12/2010

    I felt so much better after meeting with Ms. McKeon. I felt like she was a perfect fit for me.

    [L.D.]

  • 09/30/2010

    Ms. S called and asked I relay to you how appreciative she was to have such a great lawyer. She wishes that she would of found you a long time ago! She thanks you "millions and millions."

    [McKeon Law Firm staff member to Pam Ahluwalia]

  • 09/10/2010

    Thanks very much, Jessica. I appreciate all of your assistance and responsiveness in this matter.

    [D.G.]

  • 08/02/2010

    Jessica, I really appreciate everything that you and the Law Firm are doing for me. Thanks so much again.

    [L.D.]

  • 05/26/2010

    Shelly, thanks so much for your call, I feel much better...I know what to say now and have you for a backup.

    W.H.

  • 05/21/2010

    Shelly, Wow I am impressed!!! Thanks so much. I am quite sure the response from [opposing party] will be significant. I will keep you apprised. I actually feel relieved today is over and feel good having stood up to him and his attorney (thanks to you, of course!).

    P.M.

  • 05/19/2010

    I really do appreciate everything that you have done for me over the past couple of years. For me, it has provided a level of closure...so I feel like I am truly able to move on and start over and I am really excited for the future. Thank you for everything.

    K.S.

  • 05/10/2010

    It was a pleasure having your firm represent me and I was very pleased with the service and attention I was given.

    O.L.

  • 03/01/2010

    I'm glad I have someone like you in my corner looking out for me.

    Y.R.

  • 02/24/2010

    Thank you so much for calling me yesterday, I appreciate your support and guidance. Thank you again for being there for me.

    W.H.

  • 01/03/2010

    I want to recommend my new attorneys because they have given me new hope, protection, respect and the advice I never got from my former attorney. Unfortunately, I didn’t find them until too late in the process but I decided to change right after merit hearing because I was so upset with the results. Maybe I didn’t benefit from their assistance before going through the divorce process but someone else will if they decide to use their services – I guarantee they will be represented properly. The Firm is The McKeon Law Firm – Shelly McKeon and Pam Ahluwalia – Gaithersburg, MD – 301-417-0222. I sincerely hope this helps someone.

    [E.S]

  • 12/29/2009

    Thank you so much for continuing to guide me in the right direction. I can't tell you how good I feel about your involvement in this matter.

    Y.R.

  • 12/29/2009

    Pam, the response is as always well drafted and addresses the point appropriately. Thank you for your response.

    K.S.

  • 11/12/2009

    Pam...it was a pleasure meeting you yesterday and thank you so much for your help. I learned a lot by coming in and talking to you and I'm glad that I did...I thank you for taking the time to listen and explain my options to me. I feel better than I have in some time about the situation, that we've made some progress. For the first time, in a long time, yesterday was money well spent.

    E.B.

  • 07/24/2009

    Thank you so much for meeting with me today, I feel much better. Thanks again for everything, you are the best :)

    W.H.

  • 07/09/2009

    Shelly, it was good to meet you today, and I appreciate the time you spent with me on my recent involvement in the **** case. I will continue to hope for everyone that it comes to resolution without getting worse. Come what may, I'm very comfortable having you watch out for my interests.

    S.D.

  • 06/02/2009

    Once again, I can't thank you enough for all of your hard work J I don't mean to sound redundant but I am very appreciative of your efforts.

    L.O.

  • 05/13/2009

    Pam, I can't thank you and Shelly enough for everything! I am almost speechless!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    L.O.

  • 04/22/2009

    Shelly, thank you so much for doing such a great job. I sincerely appreciate your hard work and your efforts. Pam, if goes without saying that I am so grateful for all of the hard work you put into preparing for trial.

    L.O.

  • 01/28/2009

    Shelly, thank you... for all your hard work and for arguing such favorable terms.

    I.K.

  • 12/01/2008

    I really appreciate everyone's help and efforts for bringing this case to a successful conclusion.

    R.G.

  • 11/25/2008

    Because all your firm has done for me, I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Your firm saved me from the depths of the darkest, gloomiest, hopelessness and certain defeat and gently and lovingly took me under your wings and brought to a better place...a place that would have been out of my reach forever without you. You both fought for me as if we shared the same blood and helped lift my spirits higher. You helped me find an inner strength, a strength that I forgot was there and lost faith in long ago. You gave me a reason to hope and a reason to believe that one day I will be happy again. I will always be thankful to you and will not let your complete dedication to my case ever go to waste. Even now that this case is for the most part behind you, you are still taking care of me and making sure that I transition responsibly and completely.

    J.O.

  • 11/10/2008

    Dear Shelly and Pam, thank you for working so hard today on the deposition.

    I.K.

  • 09/24/2008

    Pam, you are very good at explaining and I do follow you.

    Y.R.

  • 08/21/2007

    Pam, thank you for taking the time to speak with me yesterday. I was very impressed by your professionalism and your genuineness. I appreciate your patience in answering my questions. I also appreciate the additional information you shared with me. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

    K.T.

  • 07/27/2007

    Your counsel is, as always, very valued.

    G.G.

  • 10/02/2006

    Pam, thanks so much for speaking with me today. I am impressed and encouraged, and I appreciate greatly your suggestions and thoughtfulness.

    W.S.

  • 05/16/2006

    Shelly, wanted to thank you again for our time together today and providing your obvious experience and expertise. I really have a renewed sense of hope and confidence. And it was just plain great meeting you, really enjoyed talking with you.

    W.S.

  • 12/21/2005

    ...I want to thank you...for all the hard work you have done regarding this difficult divorce. I truly appreciate it.

    W.C.

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