Divorce is a stressful event. The threat of violence not only increases this stress, but also puts at risk the people involved. If the threat of violence already exists in a marriage, there is a high likelihood that a divorce will trigger that violence; if the marriage has seen no violence, the additional stress of a divorce can, at times induce violence. Knowing how to protect yourself and those in your care during a divorce is an important part of successfully navigating this incredibly challenging time.
Domestic violence is commonly known as physical violence or the threat of physical harm, such as hitting, pushing, spalling or choking, but domestic violence is not limited to physical violence. Domestic violence can also include control and manipulation, both financial and emotional, such as controlling all of the finances or gas lighting. Verbal abuse, such as yelling and screaming, or making denigrating comments can also be considered domestic violence.
Domestic violence is not limited to marriage. While spouses and ex-spouses can be involved in domestic violence, domestic violence may also extend to relationship partners or significant others. Even relatives, including parents, children, and caregivers can be involved in domestic violence, including
The following resources are available to victims of Domestic Violence in the northern Front Range:
Children should never be exposed to domestic violence or subjected to abuse. The physical, emotional and mental well-being of a child and their future development can be severely impacted by this. The presence of domestic violence and abuse in a marriage could be a significant factor in deciding parenting schedules and how major decisions are made regarding a child, as well as the nature of the communication between parents. Colorado statutes promote the well-being of the child in any custody or parenting responsibilities proceeding. Absent agreement between parties, a judge will determine all parenting responsibilities in the best interest of your child.
Courts will not assign blame in adjudicating a divorce. This means that the presence or history of domestic violence should not impact the division of marital property or the awarding of maintenance, commonly known as alimony. However, domestic violence will likely impact any decision regarding who gets to remain in the marital home, how bills like utilities will be paid, and the nature of communication between parties moving forward.
There are a number of legal tools available in the event of domestic violence in a divorce.
When domestic violence is present in family law matters, a priority is to cease the violence and safeguard the abused party. With the availability of powerful solutions, our Fort Collins family law attorneys will tailor a solution for your unique circumstances. Call us today and see how we can help if you are divorcing or sharing custody and encounter domestic violence.
Like other assets, businesses owned by divorcing spouses may be subject to the rule of equitable distribution in divorce. If a business is considered marital property, it will need to be valued to determine its worth so that a fair division of assets can be made. In general, a business that one or both spouses […]
When married couples split up, dividing assets is often one of the most sensitive and contentious issues they face. Can you divorce without splitting assets? Not every asset that you own is subject to division, so, yes, you may be able to divorce without splitting all of your assets. If there is a particular marital […]
Can Marijuana Use Affect a Divorce Case? With the legalization of marijuana for recreational use in Colorado, there has been increased research into the effects of the drug – including its effects on marriage. If your spouse uses too much marijuana you may wonder, Is smoking pot grounds for divorce? If you are concerned about […]
Social media is a regular part of life for many people. That also means that social media can affect your divorce. For regular users, we check on what friends are up to and learn about local events. We post about our trips, our pets, our favorite restaurants or cooking accomplishments, about our kids’ achievements. Some […]
