When you are ready to file for divorce, taking the right steps is essential. Knowing how to stay safe and protect yourself is the best way to ensure that you and your children are safe from harm and that you can have the fresh start you hoped for.
While divorce often marks the beginning of a new life, it is important that you learn to be safe during this time, especially if you are leaving an abusive relationship. Even if a spouse has never engaged in any type of physical aggression, the divorce and the situation may cause them to “snap”.
In such situations, it is up to you to protect yourself and your children. While many automatically think that they need a gun and Gun safeThere are other steps you can take to protect yourself. Read on to learn what some of these steps are.
Tips on How to Be Safe During a Divorce
Protect your important documents
Things like mortgages, life insurance, social security numbers, and passports need to be kept in a neutral, safe place. It is also wise to make copies of these documents and keep them in another location.
When leaving an abusive situation, it is important to have a safe and easily accessible place for your important documents. You may even want to give copies to a trusted family member or friend. Once you’ve made a will, make sure it is updated and that your ex-spouse is removed (if they were listed as beneficiaries). Valuable items and memorabilia should also be kept in a safe place to ensure that your spouse cannot find or reach them.
Cancel all shared accounts or cards
If you and your spouse share cards or bank accounts, be sure to cancel them to prevent any kind of malicious activity that could affect your creditworthiness. It is recommended that you close your personal accounts and open new ones with a different bank to ensure that a violent ex-spouse does not discover them.
Have the law on your side
Speaking with an attorney can help you deal with the potential challenges and complications that can arise during the divorce process. You should make sure you schedule a consultation before agreeing to sign anything. With a professional divorce lawyer, you’ll know what your options are to keep yourself and your children safe. In many cases the lawyer can help you submit an injunction or take other preventive measures to make sure your ex does not harm you in any way during or after the divorce.
Listen to the experiences of others
The best way to learn how to be safe during and after a divorce is to listen to people who have gone through this. Once you’ve gone through it yourself, it’s time to talk about it. This is especially beneficial when you are leaving an abusive relationship. You want to seek and secure the greatest possible support. If you don’t let someone know what’s going on, they may not be able to provide the support you need.
This is also a great way to ensure your privacy. If you are telling your co-workers, friends and neighbors that you are divorcing and that you and your ex are no longer living together, they can watch out for red flags. This includes things like when your ex is scrolling through your mail or showing up at your office.
Go to counseling or therapy
You should understand that you are not alone. You are also not to blame if you leave a dangerous or abusive situation. Counseling and therapy can help you confront your feelings and process them in a productive manner. It can also help you meet people who have been in the same or a similar situation in the past. Having someone to talk to can be invaluable.
Create a security plan
If you are thinking of leaving an abusive marriage, it is a good idea to start creating a long term safety plan right away. That way, when you are finally ready to leave or file for divorce, you will have the tools and resources you need to survive and stay safe. One of the best things you can do is find a safe place. In addition to the homes of family and friends, you can also choose a women’s shelter that provides refuge for women who leave abusive and dangerous relationships.
Remember that in many situations, the perpetrator controls the finances. As a result, it can be difficult to save money just having to go anywhere. They can even suck out money, which means you have to learn to be resourceful. For example, request a refund when paying for groceries. This ensures that you are ready to deal with life when you leave.
When you are ready to file for divorce, taking the right steps is essential. Knowing how to stay safe and protect yourself is the best way to ensure that you and your children are safe from harm and that you can have the fresh start you hoped for.
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