QUESTION
Does he have to hit me before I can get help from legal aid or will the verbal and emotional abuse be enough?
Asked on May 04th, 2013 on Divorce - California
More details to this question:
I have been married for 28 years. In the past 3 years, my husband became addicted to alcohol and drugs. When he drinks a lot (which is becoming almost every night), he becomes very verbal and emotional abusive towards me. I now believe he doesn't want to change his addiction. He say he enjoys it and will not stop. I have a job. It helps pay for some of the bills but he makes most of the income in our family. I would like to get a divorce from him. Even though I still love him, I know I cannot live like this any longer. I don't think I can afford a lawyer, if he tries to fight the divorce. So I will need some kind of financial help to get the divorce.
6 ANSWERS
Business Law Attorney serving Bingham Farms, MI
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James T. Weiner, P.C.
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Call legal aid and ask.
Answered on May 08th, 2013 at 3:06 AM
You should contact Legal Aid to make an appointment and to see if you qualify for their services. Sometimes they give preference to individuals who have obtained protective orders against abusive spouses. You can obtain a protective order if your spouse has committed domestic violence against you. That could include putting you in fear that he would commit domestic violence against you, and would not require that he actually hit you. There are offices at the court houses that can assist you in filing for and requesting a protective order.
Answered on May 07th, 2013 at 3:09 PM
Domestic Relations Attorney serving Milford, MI
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Gabel, Gudmundsen & Gabel, P.C.
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Abuse is not a requirement to obtain legal aid. You should contact them and see if they are accepting new cases. You could also charge a retainer fee to a credit card (preferably a joint card) and ask the court to require that he help you pay for the divorce.
Answered on May 07th, 2013 at 3:08 PM
Commercial Contracts Attorney serving Boise, ID
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Peters Law, PLLC
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Call the Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program, the Women's and Children Alliance or the Idaho Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Abuse.
Answered on May 07th, 2013 at 3:08 PM
Appellate Attorney serving Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
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Musilli Brennan Associates, PLLC
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You should see an attorney, in situations such as this it is not unusual for the court to order the higher paid of the to married individuals to assist, or pay, the attorneys fees of the other party.
Answered on May 07th, 2013 at 3:07 PM
You might check with your local battered women's shelter.
Answered on May 07th, 2013 at 3:07 PM