When is the most dangerous time when getting divorced when your spouse has committed domestic violence?
If you are a victim of domestic violence, knowing the most dangerous time of your relationship or situation may mean the difference between life and death. So, when is the most dangerous time when getting divorced when your spouse has committed domestic violence?
The reason we are so concerned about this as attorneys is sometimes the most dangerous time is when you have either contacted us or you are thinking about contacting a divorce attorney. You should use the utmost caution because the most dangerous time for a person experiencing domestic violence during a divorce can often be when their abuser perceives that they are losing control or power in the relationship. Sometimes this is when you have searched for or called a divorce attorney. But we can help you once you communicate with us. We can help you with a safety plan.
The danger time may occur when you make the decision to leave the abuser, during divorce proceedings, or after your divorce has been finalized. It is important to understand these dynamics and have a safety plan in place, and to seek help and support from professionals such as domestic violence advocates and therapists, as well as law enforcement. Your experienced domestic violence attorney can help you with all of this. So how do you choose the right attorney during this stressful time? In other words,
How do you know if your attorney has experience handling domestic violence?
There are several ways to determine if an attorney that you are consulting with has experience handling domestic violence cases:
- Ask the attorney directly: This is the most straightforward way to find out if an attorney has experience handling domestic violence cases. You can ask the attorney if they have handled domestic violence cases in the past and if they have any specific experience with the type of case you are dealing with.
- Look for relevant experience such as books, resources, experts who can testify and how to build a case. Do they know Order of Protection law and what judges look for?
- Check the attorney’s website or online profile: Many attorneys will list their areas of practice on their website or online profile, and may even have specific information about their experience handling domestic violence cases.
- Check with local domestic violence organizations: Many domestic violence organizations have a list of attorneys in the area who have experience handling domestic violence cases. They may have attorney referral lists available to provide you with information on attorneys who have experience handling domestic violence cases.
- Ask for references: Ask the attorney for references from other clients who have experience with domestic violence cases. This will give you an idea of how the attorney handled the case and what the outcome was.
It is important to remember that hiring an attorney with experience handling domestic violence cases is important, because the attorney will understand the dynamics of domestic violence, will be familiar with the laws and procedures related to domestic violence cases and will be able to provide better representation and protection for you.
What is an example of a safety plan for a spouse experiencing domestic violence?
A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan that includes ways to increase safety while in a relationship and ways to leave the relationship. Some examples of steps that can be included in a safety plan for someone experiencing domestic violence include:
- Identifying safe places to go: This can include the homes of friends or family members, a shelter, or a safe place in the community.
- Establishing a code word or phrase: This can be used with friends, family, or co-workers to let them know that help is needed without alerting the abuser.
- Saving important documents: This can include identification documents, birth certificates, and other important papers that may be needed for court or for leaving the relationship.
- Storing money and valuables in a safe place: It is important to have access to cash, credit cards, and important documents that may be needed in case of an emergency.
- Identifying people and resources for support: This can include friends, family members, co-workers, or professionals such as domestic violence advocates, therapists, and law enforcement.
- Have an emergency bag packed and ready: containing essentials like clothes, medication, contact numbers, important documents and other personal belongings you may need in case of leaving the situation in a hurry.
- Developing a plan for communication with children: if you have children, it is important to have a plan in place for how they will be protected and for how to communicate with them about what is happening in a safe way.
It is important to note that safety plans should be tailored to individual circumstances and needs. Additionally, it is always recommended to reach out to professional such as domestic violence advocate or therapist for guidance in creating a safety plan. They can give you more specific and personalized advice, and provide you support and resources available to you.
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