Story of Justice: Claudia Fights to Live Safe with Her Children

Story of Justice: Claudia Fights to Live Safe with Her Children

Background

Claudia* was married to her husband Ron* for almost 18 years before they separated. A few years before their separation, Ron started to become aggressive and violent. In one incident, Ron followed Claudia from her work event to their home. In a fit of jealousy, he proceeded to stop her vehicle, snatch a necklace from her throat, and break her windshield. In addition, Ron would frequently involve the children in the marital disputes and tell the children that their mother was cheating on him.

Legal Assistance

Worried about her and her children’s safety, Claudia filed for a restraining order. Ron agreed to an entry of Final Judgment of Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence for two years. Claudia also filed for divorce from her spouse during the proceedings of the injunction. Claudia reached out to Coast to Coast Legal Aid of South Florida (CCLA) for free civil legal assistance in both the injunction for protection and divorce case.

It took almost two years to complete Claudia’s divorce litigation. During those two years, Ron frequently changed addresses, did not file amended financial affidavits, did not provide discovery, did not follow the time-sharing agreement, and did not provide any court ordered child support. Ron was determined to delay the proceedings and continued to ask for the marital home to be sold in order for him to receive half the profits. Claudia continued to live in the marital home after their separation and continued to pay all the expenses for the children and marital home by herself.

Why it Matters

After the Court heard all the testimony and evidence at final hearing, the Court awarded Claudia the martial home, retroactive child support, shared parental responsibility with ultimate decision-making authority for the minor children, and 100% time-sharing until Ron completes a Batterer’s Intervention Program, Mental and Substance Abuse Evaluation, and any recommended treatment before seeing the minor children. Claudia has now been able to live in the home, in her name only, with her children in peace.