My Ex-Spouse is Emotionally Abusing Me. What Can I Do?
Posted May 11th, 2018 by Anthony Carbone, PC.
Categories: Family Law.
For many individuals going through a divorce, emotional abuse from your ex-spouse or about to be ex-spouse can be one of the most difficult issues to deal with. In our latest blog, we will discuss how to deal with manipulation, emotional abuse, psychological abuse, and harassment from your former partner, along with what legal action you can take.
In the past, we’ve stressed the effects of emotional domestic violence that occur when you are in a current relationship, but what about when you are separated?
Divorced Parents and Emotional Abuse
The power struggle between divorced parents can be a very serious issue. In many cases, an ex-spouse can use various forms of emotional abuse and harassment to gain control over the situation. This typically involves issues of child custody and could become quite the “he said, she said” incident. Both parties might not even be aware of this dynamic.
For example, a parent may refuse to change their holiday plans and wants to have their children for both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day despite the fact that this is a contradiction of the separated couple’s divorce agreement and child custody agreement that’s in place. When the other parent responds that the agreements states they should split their time equally, the refusing parent might say something along the lines of both kinds wanting to stay with them because they like him or her more.
This example is actually a common form of emotional manipulation. The refusing parent is implying they are free to do whatever they want with their children and are better off with them compared to the other parent who has rights too. This can be a form of child alienation too, which is a form of abuse that involves turning your children against another parent or family member for sometimes personal gain.
In any case, you are going to need an experienced family law attorney, like Anthony Carbone, if your former spouse is refusing to adhere to the terms of your divorce and related agreements.
It’s Time to Move On
Living a life without your spouse might be difficult at first. Truth is that you probably have become accustomed to how attached you both were to each other even though things didn’t end in the most positive manner but rather toxic. Regardless of your feelings, it’s time to move on. Here are a few ideas to keep in mind when your marriage comes to an end:
- You no longer have to worry about your ex-spouse’s problems (unless your children are concerned)
- Take innovative in your own life.
- This might sound crazy but apologize for how your marriage ended (regardless of fault). Holding anger back can result in emotional manipulation you aren’t aware of
These ideas can help situations of post-marriage emotional abuse from forming between both parties.
Don’t Suffer Any Longer
If you are the victim of emotional abuse from an ex-spouse, you may have the grounds to make a claim. Contact the Law Offices of Anthony Carbone to see how we can help you. You can reach us through our website or get in touch with us via call or text.
