What You Need to Know About Divorcing an Abusive Husband
Unfortunately, not all marriages are healthy behind closed doors. Some involve several levels of domestic abuse that eventually lead to divorce or even more tragic endings.
Divorcing an abusive husband can be a scary situation, but it is ultimately the right choice for you and your children. If you or a loved one are involved in an abusive marriage and need a way out, here is everything you need to know about divorcing an abusive spouse.
What Constitutes Spousal Abuse?
There are 6 different types of abuse, and all stand equal ground when getting a divorce in a no-fault state like Texas.
Abuse in marriage includes:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Verbal abuse
- Financial abuse
- Psychological abuse
- Cultural abuse
Act Immediately When Abuse Impacts Your Marriage
The last thing you want to happen is to become another deadly statistic. Yes, it’s scary to take legal action against your abuser. Yet, actions like fighting back, trying to live through the abuse, and running away only lead to a cycle of abuse that worsens over time.
When the abuse gets physical or even starts to take a toll on your mental/emotional health, reach out to the authorities for help. Police can step in during a violent conflict and help remove you from the situation. You can also reach out to a local relief agency that can help get you and your children to a safe place.
Does Abuse Affect Divorce Outcome?
Once you’re away from your abusive husband, reach out to our divorce lawyer in Fort Worth to consider your options. However, do not file for divorce until you know the potential issues in your divorce process. Abuse can impact how your divorce will play out.
Child Support
Texas always puts the needs and safety of children first. If your husband has a history of physical or sexual abuse within the last 2 years, Texas law prohibits him from possession of your child.
Even if sole custody isn’t the outcome, there can still be custody and visitation rights in situations that include:
- Supervised visitation
- Legal orders that protect the child
- The abusive husband attending a treatment program
Spousal Support
Remember, your husband’s abusive behavior isn’t grounds for instant spousal support. This is awarded when a party in the divorce will need financial support after the divorce.
However, if an abused spouse can prove that their abuse negatively impacted their employment, the courts will take this into account when deciding whether or not to order spousal support.
Get the Help You Need for Your Divorce
If you’re ready to divorce your abusive husband, the Fort Worth divorce lawyers of Nilsson Legal Group are here to help. We have the resources to connect you with help beyond our legal services and have the experience to get you through any obstacles your situation presents.
Schedule your free consultation today with a member of our firm.