Divorce is difficult enough for everyone involved, without adding in domestic violence or other criminal charges. Whether you are the person accused of domestic violence or the victim of abuse, you should know that this is a serious charge that can affect every part of your life, including your divorce proceedings.
Domestic Violence Can Affect Child Custody
When it comes to child custody in divorces, the priority is providing the safest environment for the children. If one of the parties has been charged with domestic violence it could affect whether or not they are allowed any custody, or whether they are only permitted to spend time with the children while supervised. In some cases, it can mean the charged party won’t be allowed to spend time with their children alone ever again. This is just one of the reasons that it’s important to speak with a lawyer who can best advise and represent you when these types of serious charges are involved.
Abuse Can Decide Financial Matters
Although Wisconsin is a community property state, meaning that marital property is divided evenly between the spouses, if there is a dispute, a criminal charge of abuse can affect the outcome. If there is an issue regarding property settlement or alimony, the court might consider factors such as a history of abuse or adultery.
The Overall Effect of Domestic Violence on Divorce
Further, if you have a domestic violence charge on your record, your spouse’s attorney may use it against you to get more favorable terms. It is often assumed that someone who has been abusive will be more willing to negotiate to prevent the abuse allegations from being disclosed in open court.
This could mean accepting terms that aren’t really in your best interest, from alimony to property division, settlements, and child custody. As you can see, domestic violence can affect your entire divorce, especially if you don’t have a qualified legal team on your side.
Disclaimer: This Article Is Not Legal Advice.
Never rely on an article for legal advice as the law frequently changes, information may not be accurate, there may be exceptions to a rule, and reliance may be detrimental. Always consult one of our experienced attorneys for competent, current, and accurate legal advice.
Contact the Attorneys at Crooks, Low & Connell, S.C. About Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a serious charge for everyone involved. If you are considering a divorce or going through the dissolution process, you have more at stake than you realize. Don’t just accept the charge, whether it’s domestic violence or other criminal charge. Instead, let us help you get the best possible outcome for your situation. We can also make sure your rights are retained throughout the divorce.
If you are considering a divorce or going through a divorce and have questions or concerns about domestic violence, drug charge, or other criminal charges, let us help. To learn more about how we can help you with your dissolution proceedings, call our Wausau, WI law offices at (715) 842-2291 or request a consultation by filling out our online contact form today.