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There are far too many people throughout the United States trapped in abusive marriages. The good news is there are ways to get out, to get a divorce and to start a new life.
Here are a few actions you can take to help you leave an abusive relationship:
- Speak to an attorney: Get a divorce attorney as soon as possible, and preferably one who has experience in dealing with abuse or domestic violence. If you have any reason to believe your safety is at risk, your attorney can work with you to get a restraining order as soon as possible.
- Make a plan: You should have a place where you can go and stay to get away. Don’t flee in the spur of the moment without a plan—have a new apartment, a friend’s house or a domestic violence shelter, and keep your address hidden from your spouse. Make sure you have a specific plan for when and how you will leave.
- Get documents: Make copies of important documents you can bring with you, including restraining orders, birth certificates, Social Security card, health insurance information, driver’s license, bank account information, passport, deeds or titles to property, and credit cards. Bring money, clothes and personal items.
- Talk to children’s schools: Make sure your children’s teachers and principal know about your situation and can have an action plan in place in case the abuser shows up at school.
- Get a new phone: Get a new phone or change the number of your cell phone so your abuser cannot contact you.
- Build a support system: Get support from trusted family and friends. Talk to them about your situation and take advantage of any support they’re willing to provide you.
For more information about how to proceed with divorcing an abusive spouse, contact an experienced Minnesota attorney at Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A.
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