Story of Justice: Jenny Divorces Her Abusive Husband

Jenny came to CCLA not knowing what her options were. She was a victim of severe domestic violence at the hands of her abusive Husband. They were married and had two children, however, only one was a minor at the time Jenny came to us for help with a divorce. Jenny had been married to her abuser for almost 20 years. When Jenny was finally ready to leave, she filed a Petition for an Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence. In response, her Husband filed for divorce.

CCLA represented Jenny for the Injunction for Protection and the divorce. Jenny was overwhelmed. We filed all the necessary pleadings and mandatory disclosure which she said she could not have managed without us.

Jenny did not understand what she was entitled to before we were retained. Her Husband always told her she’d get nothing if she left him. Jenny’s Husband was the primary wage earner and worked for a large company. Jenny struggled with anxiety and depression due to the extreme domestic violence. She was employed for a little while, but was unemployed at the time of final resolution. Mediation was scheduled with the Temporary Injunction for Protection still in place and set for a Final Hearing.

At mediation, we advocated for what we knew Jenny was entitled to, and were able to settle the case which Jenny appreciated. The parties agreed to a Parenting Plan for their minor child. Jenny received $10,000 for a lump sum alimony payment and $700 per month durational alimony for 3 years.  Husband had 401K with his company in the approximate amount of $200,000, but he had taken a loan out after parties’ separation. Jenny was entitled to 50% of his 401K at time of separation, so that Husband was solely responsible for his loan. A QDRO was prepared with help from a CCLA Pro Bono Attorney and was submitted to the Plan Administrator for distribution and accepted. Our Final Judgment and Mediation Agreement was adopted and ratified by the Court.

Jenny went forward with her Injunction for Protection, empowered with the knowledge of what the law required and knowing she met the burden. We submitted evidence of physical abuse, threats, and injuries on Jenny’s behalf. Even though she was nervous, she testified well and was able to tell her story to the Judge. Given what her abusive husband told her, all those years, that she would get nothing and never see their children again, Jenny was extremely pleased with the outcome of her cases. Before she came to Coast to Coast Legal Aid, Jenny did not think she would be entitled to anything. She stayed so long because she thought she had nowhere to go and would have no support for herself and her children. The money she received for alimony and the 401K will help her to maintain her home, give her time to recover from the trauma she endured, and get back on her own two feet, with her children, safely and securely.