Divorce is never pleasant, but if you are the victim of an abusive marriage, you have a more difficult journey ahead of you. It’s very rare that an abusive partner will change and often, this escalates during the divorce process.
Get a Lawyer
You’ll need a divorce lawyer to help you with your divorce proceedings. It’s important that you find a good one because the abusive partner will also have a lawyer, who will be fighting to prevent you from getting much in the marriage.
Your divorce lawyer can help you with gathering evidence, putting together your plan, and helping you figure out what to do once the separation has occurred. If you are struggling to stay safe, they may offer some advice on this, too.
Plan Your Escape
When you file for divorce, this can escalate the situation in your home. It’s usually advisable to get out of the house and go somewhere safe, along with any offspring. Your lawyer can often assist you with this and will usually have contacts to ensure you stay safe. If you need a restraining order against your spouse, this is something that can be arranged, as well.
Depending on the situation, you may need to go into a shelter or simply move to a new place without letting your spouse know where you are. Your lawyer and the police should be involved in each step, along with documentation of any threats.
Plan for Mental Health
Your mental health is very important and it’s essential that you remain in contact with your lawyer and at least one other person you can speak with that is not your ex. If there are children involved, you should note that there are many specialists who can work with them. It’s important for all of you to get help for the trauma you’ve experienced.
Are you planning to escape an abusive marriage? Contact Richards & Lewis to discuss your options with our divorce lawyers so we can help you move on in your life.
