Divorcing a Verbally Abusive Spouse

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Pasadena divorce law does not require spouses to state a reason when filing for divorce, but verbal abuse is a fairly common reason for ending a marriage.

Verbal abuse is more difficult to identify than physical abuse. Physical abuse leaves obvious bruises and scars, while verbal abuse damages your self esteem and sense of emotional stability.

Signs of verbal abuse include:

  • Being called names by your spouse
  • Constant screaming, yelling, and swearing
  • Dismissing your feelings
  • Insulting you in front of friends and family
  • Blaming you for his/her abusive behavior
  • Manipulating your actions as a way to avoid disagreements

If you are being verbally abused, you may feel like you’re “walking on eggshells” around your spouse. Victims of verbal abuse bury their feelings, then wonder why they feel depressed and anxious all the time.

Abuse of any form is never justified and there have been many cases of verbal abuse escalating to physical abuse. Verbal abuse may also be combined with emotionally abusive behaviors such as preventing you from contacting friends and family, withholding sex as punishment, refusing to allow input in financial decisions, and accusing you of infidelity if you so much as talk to a member of the opposite sex.

If you’ve let your spouse know that his/her actions are hurtful and the abuse is continuing, the best thing you can do is surround yourself with supportive friends and family as you make a plan to move forward with your life.

Victims of verbal abuse need to seek the assistance of a skilled attorney if they plan to file for divorce. Having an advocate for your interests will make sure that you receive a settlement that meets your needs.

If you are a victim of verbal abuse, you should never agree to divorce mediation. Mediation is becoming popular as a way to save money on the legal fees associated with divorce, but it’s not a suitable strategy when one spouse is skilled at manipulating the other. Mediation works best when the spouses are on equal footing and have simply grown apart over time.

How Can We Help?

Please call our office at (626) 683-8113 or email us at info@PasadenaLawOffice.com if you are in need of legal representation during your divorce.Our Pasadena divorce law firm has extensive experience advocating for the needs of victims of verbal abuse.

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