If you are planning on leaving an abusive relationship or divorcing an abusive spouse, consider speaking to Schneider & Onofry, P.C., a domestic violence lawyer in Yuma, Arizona today. Our firm can help you navigate the legal and financial challenges that come with leaving an abusive spouse or divorcing an abusive partner. The time when victims of domestic violence are most at risk is when they make the decision to leave. It is important to protect yourself physically, emotionally, financially, and legally. Schneider & Onofry, P.C. is a family lawyer in Yuma, Arizona who can assist you if you need help with a restraining order, divorce, or child custody battle involving an abusive spouse or partner. Our firm can also help you understand your rights when it comes to alimony, division or assets and debts, and other financial questions pertaining to divorce.
Divorces where domestic violence is involved can be more complicated. You may need to seek a restraining order, may have concerns about the safety of your children when it comes to shared parenting time, and may have been a victim of financial abuse. If you are considering getting divorced from an abusive spouse, consider seeking help to protect your rights and to learn more about
your rights and options. Schneider & Onofry, P.C. are divorce lawyers in Yuma, Arizona who can protect your rights when it comes to leaving an abusive relationship.
Protect Your Safety When Leaving an Abusive Marriage
If you are considering leaving an abusive marriage or relationship, your safety and the safety of your children should be your top concern. Women and men are most at risk when they decide to leave a violent relationship. In fact, the greatest number of injuries and deaths occur during these times. What can you do to protect your safety and the safety of your children? Consider this:
- Physical Safety. When leaving an abusive marriage or relationship, your physical safety and the physical safety of your children should be your top concern. Consider where you will live after you tell your partner. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
, you should have a safe place to go before you tell your partner you plan to leave the relationship. Is there a secure family member’s house, a friend’s home, or a shelter where you and your children can be safe? Before telling your partner, you may want to pack your bags, gather any documentation about
bank accounts, finances, and any evidence you have about the abuse. In some cases, your partner may be so violent or so much of a risk that it might just be better to leave and then tell your partner later, over the phone. If you have concerns, reach out for help. Schneider & Onofry, P.C. are divorce lawyers in Yuma, Arizona who can help you understand which documents you should pack and preserve before you leave. Our firm may also be able to help you get a restraining order to protect your safety and the safety of your children. We can help you gather the evidence you might need to protect your rights.
- Emotional Safety. Consider your emotional needs as you plan to leave your partner. Reach out to friends, family, and loved ones. Join a support group or seek out community supports. The National Domestic Violence Hotline
(1-800-799-7233) can connect you with local resources. Contact a lawyer to guide you through the legal process. Don’t try to take everything on at once. Delegate and plan.
- Legal Rights. It is important to protect your legal rights if you are leaving an abusive relationship. You may need to get a restraining order. Divorce involving violent or abusive partners can be more complex. Child custody issues may be more involved because you may want to take steps to ensure that your children are safe when they visit your former partner. If you are facing a child custody battle with an abusive ex, it is incredibly important to seek legal help. An abusive partner might be incredibly manipulative and without properly documenting the abuse, victims of domestic violence have sometimes faced the risk of losing custody of their children. Victims of domestic violence also sometimes suffer financial abuse and may suffer from debts their partner has taken out in their name or they may not have control over their finances. Schneider & Onofry, P.C. are divorce lawyers in Yuma, Arizona who can help you if you have been a victim of domestic violence.
- Financial Protection. Abusers sometimes take control of victims’ financial lives. When leaving an abusive marriage, you might want to gather documents to protect yourself. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, some key documents you should either obtain or copy include:
- Social security cards, birth certificates, passports
- Health insurance cards for yourself and your children
- Recent bank statements and statements from any investment funds you might have or may share with your partner
- Mortgage statements, deeds, or rental agreements
- Title for your car
- A recent copy of your credit report
- Tax returns for the past two years
- Important phone numbers and contacts
If you are considering leaving an abusive marriage, protect your safety and your rights. Then, reach out for help. Schneider & Onofry, P.C. are divorce lawyers in Yuma, Arizona who protect the rights of domestic violence victims and can help you with all aspects of your divorce.
You Are Not Alone
Leaving an abusive marriage can require great courage. Individuals in these types of relationships might find themselves isolated from family and friends. They may struggle financially. You might have many questions about you rights and may fear for the safety of your children. You are not alone. Contact Schneider & Onofry, P.C., divorce lawyers in Yuma, Arizona today. Our firm can help you navigate the legal system, help you get a restraining order, and fight for your rights when it comes to division of debts, assets, and property during your divorce.
