How to Safely Divorce a Violent Spouse in California
In an ideal world, spouses would react to the news of a pending divorce in a calm, professional manner. Unfortunately, many spouses react in the exact opposite way – becoming highly emotional and sometimes violent. This situation can easily spiral out of control, causing hazards for not only spouses who want divorces but also their children and extended family members. The tragic truth is that some spouses are so afraid of their violent partners that they stay in dangerous marriages rather than pursue divorce. So, how can you deal with this situation in a safe, effective manner?
Violence is Common for Spouses Facing Divorce in California
Violence is a real threat for spouses approaching divorce – even if their partners have never exhibited any signs of violence. If you need any further convincing, just consider two recent news stories in California:
On January 17, it was reported that an enraged ex-husband had gone on a “rampage” in his neighborhood, ramming her home in a Chevy Impala before returning in a dump truck and crashing into the residence a second time. He also smashed into several parked cars on the street before speeding away. His ex-wife genuinely believed that he was trying to kill her, stating:
“A man under that kind of rage – who’s to say what he might do? He was trying to kill me. He really was.”
She also reported that she was pursuing a restraining order against the defendant, who is now facing several charges. Initially, the crime was reported as a traffic collision and not an attack on someone’s life – which meant the police took 30 minutes to arrive.
The nation is also witnessing a spike in murder-suicides, often committed by spouses facing the possibility of divorce.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
If you are facing the immediate threat of violence, the best course of action is to call 9-1-1 immediately. From there, you can figure out your next steps and get in touch with a lawyer once you reach a safe environment. One option is to file for a restraining order, which will prevent your spouse from coming into contact with you or your children. The police will also likely press charges against your spouse, which may put them behind bars – keeping you safe. You can then pursue a divorce, and your spouse may be forced to pay your living costs while you deal with the process of determining property division, child custody, and support.
Where Can I Find an Experienced Divorce Attorney in Riverside?
If you have been searching for a divorce attorney in Riverside, look no further than Knez Law Group, LLP. Over the years, we have assisted numerous divorcing spouses in California, including those with genuine fears about their safety. We can offer reliable legal advice in a discreet manner, allowing you to move forward with confidence. There are many steps you can take to ensure the safety of your entire family, so do not hesitate to book a consultation and get started with a solid action plan today.
Sources
- https://abc7.com/man-crashes-parked-cars-south-los-angeles-divorce-rampage/12710369/
- https://news.abplive.com/news/world/mother-6-month-old-baby-among-6-shot-dead-in-california-search-on-for-2-suspects-1576114
Matthew J. Knez graduated from the University of Redlands in California with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Writing. He then pursued his law degree at the University of La Verne College of Law in Ontario, California, where he earned various awards, including the CALI Award in Torts, and was on the Dean’s List. During his time in law school, Mr. Knez was a member of the Justice and Immigration Clinic, working with individuals seeking asylum in the United States from countries where they faced persecution or threats of persecution. Additionally, he was an Associate Editor for the Law Review and published an article on California family custody move-away cases. Learn more here.