‘Scandal’ star to deal with restraining order, divorce petition

In the midst of a divorce or a child custody dispute, accusations of domestic violence can be troubling obstacles that can derail one’s chances of having a fair division of assets or regular, unsupervised parenting time. For Nevada family court judges, domestic violence is an unpredictable, yet unacceptable way for adults to conduct themselves. As such, they take the imposition of protective orders very seriously.

Violations of such orders can subject a person to criminal sanctions, even for the slightest, and understandable transgression. But more importantly, a domestic violence accusation could put a person in a negative light even before family court proceedings begin.

This may be the fate facing actor Columbus Short.

Known as the financial mastermind Harrison on ABC’s “Scandal,” Short’s latest brush with the law came through an alleged altercation with his wife. According to numerous reports, he is alleged to have assaulted her and is accused of holding a knife to her neck. She has since filed for a temporary restraining order, and has filed for divorce. “Scandal” has completed filming for the season, and ABC has not released any comment on the matter.

In the meantime, Short is expected to appear in court soon for a determination as to whether the restraining order should be extended from its temporary status.

There may be a natural inclination for men served with temporary restraining orders to try to contact the victim in order to “fix” things. While not to be construed as legal advice, this is commonly a bad idea. Instead, a call to an experienced family law attorney can yield some helpful insight.

Source: The Star-Ledger, “‘Scandal’ star Columbus Short hit with divorce papers, restraining order,” Vicki Hyman, April 17, 2014