An abusive marriage can take a toll on you and your children in ways that you may have never imagined. This is why, if you are making the decision to leave an abusive relationship once and for all, it is necessary to plan it out and proceed with caution – because you never know what will happen. In many cases, an abusive partner will use scare tactics to keep you behind, such as threatening to take your children from you or telling you that you will never find somebody else. This is where a separation agreement that works for you comes into play – and we can help!
The Threat of Abuse Increasing
In many cases, an abusive marriage takes place when one party seeks control over the other. Unfortunately, many people do not realize that abuse will increase when you walk away from your partner, as they may feel like they are losing the control they once had. They may feel as if they are losing their grip on the control they have over you, and this can lead to drastic decisions and tactics. Picture this scenario: You decide to leave your partner and announce it to them. They already act violent, so this only escalates their violence toward you. This is what we want to avoid.
You may feel as if their words are immobilizing as they degrade you. You may have concern over your mental and physical well-being. You may not want to “set off” your partner by up and leaving, which is where we come in with advice on the best plan.
Making a Plan
Your safety as well as the safety of your children is, of course, of utmost importance when you leave. One of the first things we will guide you through is finding support in somebody you trust within your community, such as a family friend or a shelter. If you are living with an abusive spouse but want to find these resources, it is very important to be careful and do most talking over the phone or in person, because an abusive partner will sometimes read emails.
From there, you may want to achieve a settlement agreement that takes a close look at the things that mean the most to you – like mutual assets and how custody will be decided. These times can be stressful, which is why you will want somebody on your side who cares about your case and wants to get the best outcome for you. Call us today for more information on how we can help you during your time of need.