Before we dive into this guide’s main topic, do your best to imagine the following: you have been married to your spouse for nearly two decades, and the two of you have three kids.
Even though your marriage appears quite lovely from the outside – you live in a nice part of Chicago and go on nice vacations, among plenty of other things – your spouse has been physically abusive to you for many years.
You are ready to get a divorce. Though, you aren’t quite sure how to get a divorce. Or, for that matter, how to use the fact that they’ve been abusive towards you in order to obtain this divorce.
Going over some of the core facts that underlie obtaining a divorce due to physical abuse and speaking with a Chicago divorce attorney today will help you obtain the divorce you want.
Can You Get A Divorce If Your Spouse Has Been Physically Abusive?
You can get a divorce if your spouse has been physically abusive. And, you can get a divorce, even if your spouse hasn’t been abusive or done anything “wrong” at all.
The state of Illinois relies on a “no-fault” model of divorce. This means that you can get a divorce if you and your spouse come together and say that you want to divorce due to irreconcilable differences.
Even though you can obtain a divorce without demonstrating any grounds for this divorce, your spouse physically abusing you can help you obtain a more favorable divorce settlement.
How Does Physical Abuse Affect Your Divorce?
If your spouse has physically abused you, you may be entitled to certain benefits. Some of the most notable of these benefits are as follows
- You may be entitled to a more significant portion of the marital property.
- You may be entitled to maintenance.
- You may be entitled to a more favorable amount of maintenance.
- You may be entitled to child support.
- You may be entitled to a more favorable child custody arrangement.
Being physically abused is not a guarantee that you will receive the above. And, yet, presenting evidence that you have been abused can, and often does, make it easier for you to obtain some of those benefits.
What Should If You Want To Get A Divorce After Your Spouse Has Been Physically Abusive To You?
If you want to get a divorce after your spouse has been physically abusive to you, you must speak with an experienced Chicago divorce attorney.
Your attorney will walk you through the divorce process and, in doing so, help you file all of the necessary paperwork.
If there are things you want – child support, for example – or issues that need to be worked out – child custody, for example – your attorney will help you obtain them.
Get Qualified Legal Help Today
If you would like to obtain a divorce in Chicago, Glasgow & Olsson is uniquely qualified to help you.
When you need an attorney, experience matters.
Speak with one of our Chicago divorce lawyers today to obtain the divorce you are seeking.