We all know that divorce can be a tedious and painful process.
But who would have thought that the divorce process could feel like a form of abuse?
Elaine Rigas divorced from her husband, who she says was abusive. During the divorce, her lawyers attempted to force her to pay him alimony and retirement benefits.
According to Regas, ‘it was just, for me, another form of abuse’.
A battle over a bath soap bottle allegedly began an argument, before Elaine’s then-husband lunged at her throat. Elaine said she was scared the man would strangle her.
Rigas said the violent incident was one of many. She filed for a civil protection order and a divorce.
She said what she was hoping to do, by filing a protection order, was put an end to an abusive relationship. Instead she ended up in a year-long court fight.
Even after a judge granted a protection order, the divorce went for months.
Riga’s status as a provider saw her husband’s lawyers ask the court to order her payment of spousal support, attorney’s fees and a portion of her pension. What a nightmare!
Understandably, domestic violence victims want to feel safe, and to move on with their lives.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/social-issues/she-reported-that-her-husband-abused-her-then-the-divorce-became-another-form-of-abuse/2019/02/04/efa7ed8e-2653-11e9-90cd-dedb0c92dc17_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.0bbe1c1bb36a
What is a domestic violence restraining order?
It is a court order that assists in the protection of abuse victims, or threats of abuse, from someone they have a close relationship with.
You can ask for a domestic violence restraining order if:
A person has abused (or threatened to abuse) you;
AND
- You have a close relationship with that person ie.
-married/registered domestic partners
-divorced/separated
-dating/used to date
-living together/used to live together
-parents of child together
-close relative
Source: https://www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp-domesticviolence.htm
Vincent Miller knows how important it is to keep families safe. In the event of family law drama, get expert advice. Call Vincent Miller on (213) 948-5702.