Hakob B. v. Tina S. CA2/5

CourtCalifornia Court of Appeal
DecidedOctober 14, 2025
DocketB339456
StatusUnpublished

This text of Hakob B. v. Tina S. CA2/5 (Hakob B. v. Tina S. CA2/5) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering California Court of Appeal primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.

Bluebook
Hakob B. v. Tina S. CA2/5, (Cal. Ct. App. 2025).

Opinion

Filed 10/14/25 Hakob B. v. Tina S. CA2/5 NOT TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE OFFICIAL REPORTS

California Rules of Court, rule 8.1115(a), prohibits courts and parties from citing or relying on opinions not certified for publication or ordered published, except as specified by rule 8.1115(b). This opinion has not been certified for publication or ordered published for purposes of rule 8.1115.

IN THE COURT OF APPEAL OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

SECOND APPELLATE DISTRICT

DIVISION FIVE

HAKOB B., B339456

Plaintiff and Respondent, (Los Angeles County Super. Ct. No. v. 20STFL03541)

TINA S.,

Defendant and Appellant.

APPEAL from an order of the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, Josh R. Freeman Stinn, Judge. Affirmed. Jones Day and David Phillips; Family Violence Appellate Project and Arati Vasan for Defendant and Appellant. Kermisch & Paletz and Lauren M. Lookofsky for Plaintiff and Respondent. This is an appeal from the trial court’s denial of a request for renewal of a domestic violence restraining order (DVRO). The party who sought the restraining order, Tina S. (appellant),1 invites this court to reweigh the evidence presented at the hearing and reverse the trial court’s order. That is not the role of an appellate tribunal. We review the trial court’s decision for abuse of discretion and affirm the order.

FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

I. Renewal Hearing Testimony of Tina S.

A. The DVRO In May 2020 Tina S. (Tina) filed a request for a DVRO, naming her husband Hakob B. (Hakob) as the person to be restrained. While there were numerous incidents alleged to support the restraining order, the testimony at the renewal motion highlighted those set forth below.

June 18, 2019. As Tina was preparing to depart the residence for her mother’s home, Hakob told her that he wanted her to return within two hours. Tina encountered traffic on the way home and was delayed. She ultimately arrived after the two- hour deadline. Hakob was not home, but when he arrived, he was angry about Tina’s tardiness and slapped her face.

July 3, 2019. Tina was nine months pregnant with their son (A.B.). During an argument, Hakob threatened to kill her.

1 We granted appellant’s request to use pseudonyms “Tina S.,” “Hakob B.” (respondent), and “A.B.” (the parties’ minor child). (See Cal. Rules of Court, rule 8.90(b)(1).)

2 He commented, “Watch after [the] divorce what I am going to do to you.” Video of the event was played for the trial court.

February 25, 2020. Tina locked herself in a bedroom because she believed a conversation she was having with Hakob had the potential of escalating into a violent argument. Hakob angrily banged on the door demanding that she open it. When Tina called her mother and placed her on the speakerphone, Hakob retreated downstairs. Tina left the bedroom because she heard their baby crying. She encountered Hakob who commented, “Why are you closing the door on me?” He grabbed her arm and slapped her face. A bruise appeared on her arm a day or two later.

March 20, 2020. Hakob compared “beautiful” women he was watching on television to Tina and called her a “fat bitch.” This upset Tina; she grabbed her keys to leave the residence. Hakob blocked her path, put one of his hands on her neck, and pushed her against the wall. With the other hand, he grabbed her arm causing a bruise.2

2 Other allegations of Hakob’s abuse in Tina’s declaration (but not mentioned in her testimony at the renewal hearing) included: (1) slapping her face and twisting her arm in late 2016 or early 2017; (2) slapping her face and pushing her onto the bed in August 2017; (3) striking her with his elbow as Hakob drove his car and she was seated in the passenger seat in March 2018; (4) striking her in the leg in September 2018; (5) swinging her from side to side as she held her baby in either late September or early October 2019;

3 On October 13, 2020, the parties stipulated to the issuance of a restraining order for three years. The trial court filed an order consistent with the stipulation; its expiration was October 13, 2023. Tina was granted custody of A.B. with Hakob having visitation rights. Among the restrictions the order placed on Hakob were (1) he was not permitted to contact Tina except for the brief and peaceful contact necessary to facilitate visitation with A.B., and (2) he was prohibited from being within 100 yards of Tina.

B. The Throat-Slitting Gesture Tina alleged in her declaration supporting renewal that, during a July 2022 custody exchange, Hakob directed a throat- slitting gesture to Tina from his vehicle. This event was not referenced during her direct examination but, on cross- examination, counsel asked her several questions about it. She explained she did not have a video of the incident because it occurred at the conclusion of the exchange, when she reached the door to her residence and turned around to view Hakob’s car. A police report was not filed, and Tina’s lawyer did not send a letter to Hakob’s counsel, or anyone else, regarding the incident.

(6) slapping her face and pushing her against a wall in September 2019; (7) kicking her leg while she sat on the living room couch in December 2019 (8) placing his hand over her mouth and pinching her nose closed in March 2020; and (9) throwing objects at her in November 2019 and March 2020.

4 C. Hakob’s Civil Harassment Restraining Order Tina’s father generally accompanied Tina for A.B.’s custody exchanges. After an exchange on August 29, 2022, as Tina and her father were walking away, Hakob commented, “Do you think your restraining order is finished? Well, think again.” Hakob then sought a restraining order against Tina’s father but, on October 12, 2022, the request was denied.

D. A.B.’s Injury In mid-January 2023, A.B. injured his knee during play time and was taken to the doctor by Tina. After the doctor visit, she used an application entitled “Our Family Wizard” (OFW) to send Hakob a written message explaining the doctor’s assessment of A.B.’s knee. Hakob referenced the injury in a January 15, 2023 message that accused Tina of being a bad mother for neglecting to “keep [her] eye on [A.B.].” 3

While A.B. was visiting with Hakob on January 16, 2023, it became apparent that the condition of A.B.’s knee was worsening, and Hakob opted to take A.B. to an urgent care facility. He contacted Tina about the problem and told her that he would be unable to meet the drop-off time of 6:00 p.m. A.B. was ultimately transferred from urgent care to a hospital emergency room.

On January 17, 2023, A.B. had surgery to remove bacteria that formed on his knee. Prior to the surgery, Tina used her mother’s phone to speak with Hakob. He wanted to be present for the surgery and planned to be there even if it was contrary to

3 The doctor’s notes reviewed by Tina indicated Hakob told the doctor that he reported Tina to the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). A January 16, 2023, DCFS letter (Ex. 19) reflected the case was closed.

5 her wishes. Because Tina considered the event to be “an emergency situation” she allowed him to be at the hospital but cautioned Hakob to stay far away from her. However, Tina spent several hours with Hakob alone with A.B. in the hospital room with the door slightly ajar. Tina and Hakob slept in A.B.’s room for three nights.

E. The Request for Renewal is Filed The request for renewal of the restraining order was filed on October 6, 2023. It sought renewal for life or, alternatively, for five years. Tina testified she was afraid of Hakob noting she had been subjected to his threats, abuse, and harassment. She referenced the July 3, 2019, pre-DVRO threat and expressed concern that, if the renewal was denied, Hakob’s gun may be returned to him and he may use it to kill her.

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Hakob B. v. Tina S. CA2/5, Counsel Stack Legal Research, https://law.counselstack.com/opinion/hakob-b-v-tina-s-ca25-calctapp-2025.