From verbal and psychological abuse to physical and sexual assault, domestic violence can come in a number of different forms. When charges of such abuse are part of a divorce case, it is essential that all parties involved understand how domestic violence impacts the legal process of divorce. Below, the family law attorneys at Arndt Buswell & Thorn S.C. in Sparta, WI, discuss three ways domestic violence can affect your divorce case.

How Domestic Violence May Impact Your Divorce Case

1. Obtaining a Protective Order

Your divorce attorney can help you file the necessary paperwork to get a temporary restraining order against your spouse. This will give you a certain amount of protection in the short-term; as you assemble your divorce case and gather more evidence of violence, you can pursue a permanent protective order with the support of your family law attorney.

2. Filing Criminal Charges

To further establish your safety, it may be in your best interest to file criminal charges against your abusive spouse. Filing charges gives you the opportunity to establish the danger posed by your spouse, and an official police investigation will commence. Such charges could help your divorce case as they might better illustrate existing patterns of violence and be supported by the findings of an official investigation.

3. Preparing for Court

Coming face to face with an abusive spouse in any setting can be a frightening prospect. In the high-stakes atmosphere of a divorce court, that fear might only be amplified. Your family law lawyer will come up with ways to keep you as removed as possible from your spouse, and you can confidently let your attorney handle all speaking and negotiating on your behalf. The presiding judge and opposing counsel can question you, but there is no law saying that you even have to make eye contact with your soon-to-be ex. Trust that your legal representative will shield you as much as they can from the threat posed by your spouse.

If you've been the victim of domestic violence and are considering divorce, let the attorneys at Arndt Buswell & Thorn S.C. look out for you. Since 1991, they have been serving Central and Western Wisconsin in family law, bankruptcy, personal injury, and other legal cases. Call (608) 269-1200, visit their website, or contact them on Facebook or Twitter to speak to a divorce lawyer today.