Your spouse may not hit you or limit where you go and what you do, but this does not mean that they are not abusive. Domestic abuse can come in many different forms, and it can affect all genders. If you often feel frightened of how your spouse will react to something you do or say, or you find that your self-esteem is negatively affected by your relationship, it is likely that you are in an abusive relationship and you should seek support to safely get out of the situation.
The first thing that you should do is to make sure that you are safe. You can put in place a temporary restraining order that will limit your spouse’s ability to legally contact you if you want to. You should also make sure that you have a support network of family and friends around you. Here’s how you can best manage the process of divorce if you have an emotionally abusive spouse.
Prioritize your safety
Your safety and the safety of your children should always come first. Before you file for divorce, you should make a plan for future living arrangements. If you intend to stay in the family home, you may be able to stop your ex from entering through a restraining order.
Get organized
Plan ahead of time by collecting financial documents and having a good understanding of your household’s financial situation. You should also think about child custody arrangements and whether you think your ex should be a part of your children’s life going forward.
Know your rights and make contingency plans
By understanding your legal rights, you’ll be able to move forward confidently with divorce. Make sure that you have planned for the worst possible reaction from your spouse so that you’re always protected and safe.
If you want to get a fresh start from a toxic relationship, start by planning the divorce process so that you can get the best possible outcome.