Is domestic violence leading you to divorce? How should you handle the issue of child custody?

If your marriage has been marred with violence, you need to look into a separate set of issues when you decide to either separate or divorce particularly when it is a matter of the children’s safety and security. St. Louis, MO divorce lawyers suggest that if you are faced with such a situation there are a few things you can do to make a safe transition for you and the children.

Maintain records

If you live with your partner or spouse, keep detailed records of every incident of emotional or physical abuse involving you or your children. Note the place, time, and date of every incident together with a detailed description of the incident including injuries, if any, to you or the children. These records will help when you appear before a court and will ensure that you and the children remain protected from your abuser.

Find a secure shelter

Missouri divorce attorneys recommend that once you decide to move out, make a plan if possible, as you are most vulnerable when you leave your relationship. Seek legal counsel as soon as possible. In addition, make sure to spread a safety net all around. Save some money and keep it in a place away from your home. It would be wise to keep a few clothes for you and the children with a close friend. Most importantly, find a secure place to live once you leave.

 St. Louis, MO divorce lawyers have seen parents fight over children in the worst way. It is not a bright spot on humanity's resume.  

This ought to be a place where your partner/spouse won’t even think of finding you, if possible. Ask a friend or coworker whom your partner doesn’t know to let you stay for short a time or weigh the options of moving to a hotel or a shelter. Going back to your parents’ home should be better than any hotel or shelter though.

But if you really need to hide then going to your parents will not work. If you have seen the movie Enough you will know this to be true. In that movie, Slim Hiller (Jennifer Lopez) made a terrible mistake and married a lunatic. This guy never went to church! This person was a controlling and disrespectful nutcase! Mitch Hiller (Billy Campbell) was someone that a member of ISIS would love or perhaps a father in a Middle East country. Perhaps one of those countries that donated money to The Clinton Foundation.

Anyways, Slim Hiller knew this problem was never going away so she took some self-defense lessons, some special advice from someone who knows about these situations, and Slim Hiller went the death penalty route which was basically her only option. Who says the death penalty is wrong? Slim Hiller does not think so! In some cases, that is the only route you can take. Some people just do not deserve to be on the planet living as illustrated in this movie Enough.

This is an extreme situation, most likely you will not have to even contemplate this. Secure that legal help and you should be on the right track. Press right here Divorce.USAttorneys.com.

Gain legal custody of your kids

If you feel compelled to get away from the home quickly, make sure to take your children with you to escape the abusive spouse. The best alternative would be to approach the nearest court immediately and request for an emergency protective order.

This will help you get custody as well as have your partner to stay away from you. If you fail to make child custody a part of the emergency order, you can be blamed for kidnapping, caution St. Louis, MO divorce lawyers.

Remember, an emergency custody order is purely temporary. If you want to obtain custody of the kids on a permanent basis, it must be included as part of your divorce procedure or separation process. Whatever the terms, the judge will consider the children’s best interest. Although the law stipulates the factors to be considered in such a case, the safety of your kids as well as any previous history of domestic violence can be the deciding factor in your divorce.

Visitation

Unless a parent has abused his children, he/she might be granted visitation rights. If this makes you anxious about the safety of the children, you can request for supervised visitation.

Most importantly, don’t let domestic violence prevent you from seeking legal help. Whether you need help with child custody, child support, alimony, or any other related issues you can always count on a Missouri divorce lawyer to protect your rights.