If you have experienced domestic violence at the hands of your spouse, understanding how it can impact the facets of your divorce is vital. One thing that you should consider is whether or not domestic violence will impact alimony payments in New York. Unfortunately, this is something that affects many couples, so knowing how to prepare for your divorce is critical. Keep reading to learn more and discover how a Nassau County domestic violence lawyer can assist you with any issues you may face during these troubling times.
What Constitutes Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence is something that, unfortunately, impacts many individuals. This violence can take many forms, like physical, mental, emotional, sexual, and financial. As such, understanding the actions and behaviors that constitute domestic violence is critical. The following are examples of abuse:
- Hitting, slapping, punching, or kicking
- Treating the victim roughly, such as shoving or shaking
- Verbally harassing you
- Belittling the victim in front of friends or family
- Isolating the victim from loved ones
- Controlling who the victim speaks to or where they go
- Threatening the victim
- Pressuring the victim sexually
- Keeping all the bank accounts in the abuser’s name
- Making the victim sign documents against their will
- Destroying the home or furniture when upset
How Does Domestic Violence Impact Alimony Payments?
When you are the victim of domestic violence at the hands of your spouse, understanding the impacts it can have on the outcome of your divorce is critical. One area that many have questions about surrounds spousal support. Also known as alimony, this is when one spouse is ordered to make monthly payments to another to supplement their income.
In many instances, the courts do not order alimony payments as a punishment if one spouse is convicted of domestic violence. However, they may order it because they recognize the impact that abuse can have on the victim’s ability to get a job due to the negative impact it can have on a spouse’s physical, mental, and emotional health.
As such, domestic violence does not significantly impact spousal support in New York. However, it can affect the distribution of assets, as judges now must consider abuse when determining the equitable distribution of assets.
If you have been a victim of domestic violence at the hands of your spouse, pursuing a divorce can be challenging. That’s why it’s imperative to enlist the assistance of an experienced attorney from Barrows Levy PLLC. Our dedicated team understands how difficult it can be to navigate the legal complexities of divorce, especially if you are a victim of abuse. That’s why we’re committed to handling your case with the utmost care so you can focus on healing and beginning the next chapter of your life. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.
