How to Keep Yourself Safe When Ending an Abusive Marriage?

Even under normal circumstances, dealing with divorce can be a traumatic experience. However, for victims of domestic abuse in Miami and the greater South Florida area, the process can be even more challenging since unique protective mechanisms must be put in place.

According to a 2013 study conducted by theNational Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), domestic violence was cited as the seventh most common reason for divorce in the U.S. Nearly one-fourth of the study's participants reported being subjected to both physical and emotional abuse, which ultimately led to their divorce.

In addition to being a contributing factor to divorce, domestic abuse can make divorce proceedings more complicated. Thankfully, you can protect yourself (both physically and financially) by adopting the following protective measures:

• Keep all of your important papers safe: Put together your identity documents, such as your state-issued driver's license or identity card, passport, birth certificate, Social Security card (or just the Social Security number), and keep them in a secure location. You may also want to get copies of insurance policies, mortgage documents, and rental agreements. You do not want your spouse to have sole ownership of these documents if they are abusive or manipulative.
• Get new bank and credit card accounts: Consult with your bank(s) and open new accounts in your own name rather than under your spouse's name. You may also want to consider banking with a different institution moving forward.
• Create a safety plan: Find out if you can stay with a family member or a friend before leaving the house and filing for divorce. Women leaving abusive marriages can find refuge in one of Miami's many domestic violence and abuse shelters. Ideally, you should try to find a place where your spouse will not be able to track you down immediately after you leave.
• Save money: The same spouse who is physically abusive or controlling could also be financially domineering. After you lawyer up and before you file for a divorce, try to save some money for your future. Say you buy groceries with a debit card, and the machine asks whether you want cashback. In that case, you could simply say yes and pocket the cashback you received. Even the smallest amounts can add up over time.
• Lawyer up: This is quite important. You need to hire a reputable

Miami domestic violence attorney experienced in dealing with emotionally charged situations such as yours. You must also tell your attorney exactly what has happened and ask whether they can help you get a general domestic violence restraining order, should one be required.

Adopting these protective measures can help you and your finances be more secure whenever you decide to end your marriage and file for divorce.

When going through a divorce, it is advisable to retain the services of competent divorce attorneys in Miami, FL, with extensive experience defending victims of domestic violence. They can help you prepare for divorce and will be by your side throughout the entire process.