What to Know About Divorcing an Emotionally Abusive Spouse

If you have an emotionally abusive spouse, a difficult divorce process becomes even harder to get through. You do not have to go it alone though. The support of our Morris County, NJ divorce lawyers can help you get through this. We will help you show the court your spouse’s true colors and we will help you fight for a fair divorce agreement.

What Behaviors Are Emotionally Abusive?

There are many ways for a spouse to be emotionally abusive. Essentially, if they do anything to make you afraid in your own home or make efforts to control you, these behaviors are probably considered emotional abuse. Common examples of this include:

• Frequently raising their voice
• Limiting your access to resources like the Internet or bank accounts
• Making threats
• Not allowing you to make decisions about your own plans or activities
• Gaslighting you and dismissing their own behavior
• Not caring how their behavior makes you feel

Divorcing an emotionally abusive spouse can be difficult because you feel powerless and trapped. You can get out of this though, and a new life is waiting for you after your divorce is finalized.

Are These Behaviors Illegal?

In many cases, yes. Emotionally abusive behaviors can be illegal. Unfortunately, an abusive spouse is rarely charged unless they commit another crime, like assault. People can face penalties like jail time for emotional abuse alone though.

What Are the Effects of Living With an Emotionally Abusive Spouse?

Living with an emotionally abusive spouse can adversely affect your mental health and cause all sorts of issues. People dealing with such abuse commonly end up experiencing:

• Depression
• Panic attacks
• Post-traumatic stress
• The loss of their friends, family, and support network

The goal of an emotionally abusive spouse is to isolate you. You need to do your best to make sure that this is not allowed to happen.

Can Proof of Emotional Abuse Help Me Get a More Favorable Divorce Deal?

When you divorce an emotionally abusive spouse, you may be able to make an argument for a bigger share of the marital assets. Child custody and visitation can also be set with the bad behavior of your spouse in mind.

You would have to show some proof of the emotional abuse though. There are many ways to do this and an experienced lawyer from our firm can do everything possible to build your case and find proof of your abuse. Common types of evidence include:

• Recordings of abusive behavior or speech
• Texts, emails, and other correspondence showing abuse
• Testimony from witnesses who witnessed the abuse

Schedule a Consultation With Our Compassionate Attorneys

You do not have to try to fight for a favorable divorce deal on your own. Contact Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark and schedule your free consultation. We are ready to help you make things right.