For victims of domestic violence, filing for divorce may be the first step toward reclaiming your life, but it can be a scary experience. An abusive spouse likely won’t participate in fair, collaborative negotiations, but taking them to court can seem unproductive. Fortunately, most states have enacted laws specifically designed to protect domestic violence victims, so a skilled lawyer can help you achieve the best possible outcome. Learn more about what to expect below.

Grounds for Divorce

Like many other states, Connecticut allows individuals to file for divorce based on their partner’s actions. In some cases, your lawyer may recommend filing for divorce based on your partner’s “intolerable cruelty,” which could include physical or verbal abuse. Since divorces are decided in civil court, you may cite domestic violence as a cause for divorce, even if you never filed a police report or pressed charges.

Child Custody in Domestic Violence Cases

When making child custody decisions, judges are required only to consider the best interests of the children. If they decide that your allegations of domestic violence are credible, they may hesitate to grant joint custody. They also might require all visits between the abuser and your children to be supervised by an agent of the court.  However, these types of order are often temporary.

Domestic Violence & Property Division

In most cases, courts try to divide the marital estate in a manner that’s fair and equitable to both sides. However, judges do have considerable discretion when making these decisions, and they might consider each spouse’s actions during the marriage. If the courts find that your allegations of abuse are credible, they may award you a higher proportion of the marital assets, particularly if your spouse prevented you from becoming financially independent.

If you were the victim of domestic violence, trust The Law Office and Mediation Center of Jeannine M. Talbot to guide you through this difficult process. For over 20 years, this experienced lawyer has been helping clients throughout Torrington, CT, navigate this experience and begin rebuilding their lives. To consult with this compassionate lawyer, visit her website or call (860) 482-9004.