Domestic violence can take an emotional and physical toll on even the strongest individuals. And when it goes to the extremes of physical harm, it puts your life in danger. Knowing how family law can assist is essential if you are considering a divorce from a violent partner or have already made this difficult decision. Read on to learn how engaging a family law practitioner will provide the safety and empowerment you need to follow through with the divorce.
Obtain a Restraining Order
A restraining order is an important tool to help protect victims of domestic violence. This is the first thing your family lawyer will help you obtain when you approach them with your situation. A family court judge will issue the order prohibiting your violent partner from contacting you. As such, you won't have to worry about your abuser springing up on you at your home or place of work. The restraining order also saves you from troubling phone calls or messages from your abusive spouse.
File for Divorce
Once you create distance between you and your abuser, you can use family law to file for divorce. Your lawyer will help you understand why dissolving the marriage is the only way to escape abuse. They'll also sign you up for physical and psychological therapy to help you deal with the trauma you sustained in the marriage.
This will ensure you don't have any second thoughts about divorcing your violent partner. And not having to worry about filing the paperwork or serving your spouse with the divorce papers will give you peace of mind and strengthen your resolve to move on.
Address Spousal Support
In some situations, family law may require one spouse to pay spousal support or alimony to the other as part of a divorce decree. This amount is typically determined based on factors such as financial need and earning capacity of both parties.
However, as someone who was abused in marriage, you can decide not to pay alimony after the divorce. And if your abusive ex tries to force you to, you can fall back on family law for legal support. Your attorney will present the evidence proving your spouse's repeated violence to get the court to rule in your favor.
Even though domestic violence is quite nuanced, there's no denying that the only way out is divorce. And family law has detailed legal provisions to help you get out of your abusive marriage. So take the first step today! Consult a family law firm to receive the legal support you need to break free from your abuser.
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