In a Decision – M.S. v. D.H. (an "Unreported Decision") >> the Court Held:
The Appellate Division affirmed the Trial Court and held that the former live-in caregiver, qualified as a "household member" under the Domestic
Violence statute.
Plaintiff alleged that Defendant made death threats against Plaintiff, demanded long-term employment contracts, and pressured Plaintiff into purchasing a property. Plaintiff stated that he was frightened by Defendant, alleging that Defendant had described himself as ex-military and had also shown Plaintiff his heavily-stocked gun locker. The Appellate Division further held that the record supported the Trial Court's conclusion that Defendant's statements and threats to Plaintiff constituted the predicate act of harassment, and that a FRO was necessary to protect Plaintiff given Defendant's access to weapons.