Aerial drone shot of a residential neighborhood and community pond in Texas.

Pearland Legal Blog

Family Law & Estate Planning Attorney

When facing a family law, estate law or other legal matter, it is important to work with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your options and protect your interests. At The Powell Law Firm, we have more than 20 years of experience protecting people in Pearland, Houston and the surrounding area in Texas.

Get In Touch With Us Today

December 06, 2019

|

On behalf of The Powell Law Firm

| Family Law

Divorcing an Abusive Partner

Divorcing a partner who is physically or verbally abusive can be difficult and costly. Find out what you need to do to stay safe.

Going through a divorce is challenging enough. Add physical or emotional abuse to the mix and you are looking at a dangerous situation. Domestic violence is a serious situation in a marriage. It can be hard to leave such an environment. You may be scared of your partner’s reaction to you leaving, especially if you have been physically abused in the past. This is why a successful divorce in this situation requires thorough planning, a ton of courage, and excellent legal representation.

Divorce can be Costly

Divorcing an abusive partner can be much more expensive than a regular divorce for several reasons. Mediation is almost always out of the question because the abusive partner is unwilling to negotiate. They want everything, and they do not think the other spouse should get anything. They will do what they can to stir up more drama and negativity.

This means that divorces involving abusive partners end up in the courtroom. An abusive partner has no problem taking the other spouse to court multiple times to make them “pay” for wanting to leave the marriage. Such a divorce can cost tens of thousands of dollars and take years to resolve. Many women end up with no money and become homeless. In fact, 50% of homeless women cite domestic violence as the reason For their situation.

How to Protect Yourself

If your spouse is emotionally or physically abusive, start taking steps now to protect yourself. Good planning can help.

  • Get a separate bank account. You need to leave the situation, and things will be easier if you have access to money. Put money in a bank account and get a credit card in your name only. This will make it harder for your spouse to take money away from you.
  • Gather evidence. Texas is a no-fault state when it comes to divorce. However, evidence of domestic violence can be used in court to strengthen your case. Gather police reports, medical information and any communication for your abusive partner, such as emails and texts.
  • Get legal help. A lawyer who has experience with domestic violence cases is ideal. They can help you get a restraining order and other orders of protection for the safety of you and your children. They can help you gather the evidence you need and prepare you for court. Your lawyer can also notify your spouse of the divorce to protect you from any violence.

Get Help with Your Divorce by Contacting a Texas Divorce Attorney

It can be challenging and costly to divorce an abusive spouse, but you should not feel trapped in your marriage. The safety of yourself and your children should be your top priority.

Get the help you need from The Powell Law Firm. We take domestic violence cases seriously and help you understand your rights and options during this stressful time. Schedule a consultation by filling out the online form or calling 832-850-6095.

Get In Touch With Us Today
Request a Consultation

To schedule a meeting with an attorney, please call 832-850-6095 or complete this contact form. We’ll be in touch with you as soon as possible.

Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

Disclaimer

What Our Clients
Have To Say

  • “I wanted to take the time to thank you [John Powell III] for helping me through a tough time in my life. Your guidance and voice of reason really helped me more than you will ever know. I had a previous attorney that I felt could have really cared less about me or the situation. Once on board with you, I felt an immediate difference and I was thankful for your quick response. I could not have finished this process without you and I am glad you were able to have so much hands on time with me. Again, thank you for everything you did for me and my son!”

    (S.R.)

  • “John Powell III was very helpful through the entire process of my divorce which involved a custody fight over my 3-year-old daughter. Mr. Powell has a strong working rapport with the Brazoria County family court. He was very patient, walking me through every step, knowing what to expect from my wife's attorney. We were ultimately successful and I would highly recommend him. As for my daughter, she is doing great. She has advanced to the preschool 2 class early, she is now 3.5 and now goes to school with the 4-5 year old's. Her emotional and behavioral issues have disappeared. Thanks to Mr. Powell's hard work my daughter will have a great chance at life.”

    (K.K.)

  • “Just wanted to say thanks for handling my post-divorce property division issue in a timely and professional manner. Especially your attention to detail and some quick-witted humor as well. Your firm was referred to us by a friend which can always be somewhat awkward but you made us feel at ease through the entire process. I would not hesitate to recommend your firm to anyone if the need arises.”

    (J.B.)

  • “Dear Mr. Powell: I want to thank you for your great service and express my gratitude. I am extremely pleased how everything was handled and I have the highest possible opinion about your professionalism, the quality of your service and your attitude toward me as a client. Thank you again, best regards.”

    (M.K.S.)

  • “I had what I learned was not your stereotypical divorce case. John Powell III was extremely understanding of the situation and worked with myself and my former spouse to navigate the legal pitfalls in our, and our children's case. Everything was resolved amicably and with minimal impact to our family. Without Mr. Powell's assistance I do not know that we would have gotten to such a positive place.”

    (A.W.)

  • “John Powell III is a compassionate and thorough attorney. My case was a complex custody issue that required work in two wide-spread counties. Mr. Powell was able to efficiently overcome this added challenge. He is patient and clear in explaining concepts of the law. Even after the case was closed, Mr. Powell was available to explain the final judgment and to help ensure we were following the Judge's intent. It is very comforting to know that if additional issues arise he is there to act as my advocate.”

    (R.T.)

READ MORE TESTIMONIALS