Safely Seeking Divorce From an Abusive Marriage

No one deserves to be abused by their spouse. No matter what has happened between you and your spouse, there is never any excuse for your spouse to abuse you. Spousal abuse can take many forms. While domestic violence is the classic form of abuse, there are other ways one spouse might abuse the other. Financial abuse, where one spouse controls all the assets to keep the other dependent is also common. Psychological or emotional abuse can be just as damaging as physical violence. Excessive control is also abuse. For example, if your spouse does not “let you” do things like seeing your friends or forces you to live by their rules, that is also abuse. 

Seeking a divorce from an abusive marriage takes a lot of courage. Leaving an abusive marriage is not without risks, however. If you need help getting out of an abusive marriage, Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices will do everything in our power to keep you protected during this time. 

Tips for Making a Safe Exit From Your Abusive Marriage

Your safety and the safety of any children involved is always the top priority. While getting out of an abusive marriage can be scary, it is always worth it. Here are a few tips that may help: 

• Safety first, filing second - If your spouse is violent or has threatened you with violence, it is generally better to be in a safe location when your spouse is served with divorce papers. In some cases, getting a restraining order that bars your spouse from returning to the marital home is sufficient. In others, you may need to go to a domestic violence shelter or go stay with someone you trust so your spouse cannot find you. 
• Be determined - Sadly, it often takes many abuse victims multiple tries to finally end the relationship for good. There may be times where you experience feelings of missing your abuser. You may struggle on your own at first and fear that you have made the wrong choice. It may help to write out a list of reasons you need this divorce and read over them when you experience these feelings. 
• Find support - Seeking counseling in an individual or group setting can be enormously helpful. Support groups are widely available.
• Give no warning - If your spouse may harm you for trying to leave, then you will need to be careful not to alert them of your plans. Deleting your browser history after researching abuse or divorce may be a necessary step if your spouse checks these things. 

Remember that your spouse cannot stop you from divorcing them. If you are ready to safely exit an abusive marriage, Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices would be happy to help. 

Contact a DuPage County Divorce Attorney

Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices will do everything in our power to keep you safe while you are in the process of getting a divorce from your abusive spouse. Our compassionate Lombard divorce lawyers will work with you to develop a strategy for a safe exit. Call 630-932-9100 or contact us online for a free and confidential consultation. 

Source:

https://www.womenshealth.gov/relationships-and-safety/domestic-violence/leaving-abusive-relationship