Divorcing A Physically Abusive Spouse

Obtaining a divorce from a physically abusive spouse can be an extremely difficult affair for those on the receiving end. You need courage, sacrifice, and strong legal representation. It also needs a willing mind to navigate through challenging circumstances for a better life both for the spouse and children. It is extremely difficult to divorce an abusive husband in marriages that have lasted a long time. This is because the husband generally in these kinds of cases control the household finances.

Not a simple process

A few people will advise you to simply walk away from a life of hell. Do not listen to them. Your pain will be decipherable to only those who themselves have felt the pain. At the Maggio Law Firm, we know exactly what you are going through. We have in-depth knowledge of such cases and have successfully concluded the same in our clients’ favor.

Defining abuse under California law

Abuse is a broad term. It is inclusive of attempting to cause or intentionally causing bodily injury, placing persons in a reasonable apprehension of any imminent or immediate mortal bodily injury or engaging in any behavior as described by section 6320 of the Family Code. This code includes molesting, striking, threatening, battering, telephoning, attacking, stalking, sexually assaulting and harassing as per Section 653m of Penal Code and destruction of personal property, contacting either indirectly or directly, through mail or any other medium, or coming within a particular distance, or disturbing the other party’s peace and as per the court’s discretion, other named household or family members.

Situational domestic violence

Family law lawyers and judges use the situational domestic violence term when they refer to a domestic violence which is a component of a one off incident and not pattern of abuse. It is frequently linked with external factors which result in an usually non-abusive husband to behave badly with his children or his wife. A number of circumstances could result in such an outcome. However, in a majority of cases, these are caused by wife’s infidelity, when husband’s infidelity has been discovered, or the husband addicted to alcohol or drugs or even the decision of the wife to leave husband and to file for divorce which subsequently angers the husband.

Handling situational domestic violence

These kinds of problems are best handled by applying for domestic violence restraining order. The wife, with her lawyer’s assistance, requests the court for both permanent and temporary restraining orders.

Getting divorced in California can be complicated.  Download our free eBook, 18 Important Things to Know About California Divorce to educate yourself on the process.  

Gerald A. Maggio is an experienced Orange County divorce and family law lawyer and family law attorney located in Irvine, California, serving the Orange County and Riverside areas. Mr. Maggio assists clients with legal issues including divorce, legal separation, divorce mediation, child custody, prenuptial agreements, stepparent adoptions, and other family law issues. Mr. Maggio has practiced law in California since 1999, and founded The Maggio Law Firm in 2005, focusing exclusively on divorce and family law matters.