Uncovering the Impact of Non-Physical Abuse in Child Custody Cases
Are you in a child custody case where you believe that domestic violence might be a factor? My name is Carl Birkhead. I’m a Tulsa family attorney in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and I’d like to discuss how domestic violence impacts child custody cases.
It seems like it would be a cut-and-dry no-brainer. Whoever’s being the abuser obviously should not get the kids in a TV situation. And a lot of times that’s how it works out, especially in cases where you get evidence of physical domestic violence, you know, bruises, injuries, hospital visits, police reports, things like that.
Types of Domestic Violence Beyond Physical Abuse
What I want to get into, though, is a little bit murkier, which is domestic violence that doesn’t involve physical abuse, mental abuse, emotional abuse, or financial abuse is a huge one that comes into play a lot of times in these cases. It’s not as easy to prove. It’s not as cut-and-dry as a broken arm or a black eye, but it is just as damaging and it is just as important to make sure that you address it properly, even though it is a little bit more difficult to prove.
Ultimately in these cases, a child custody case, it always comes down to what’s in the best interest of the child. So if we’re dealing with situations of, you know, mental and emotional abuse, we had to figure out, you know, how is it affecting the children? And really, how is it affecting the parents? How is the abuser acting? How is the abused reacting?
Seeking Help and Evidence in Domestic Violence Cases
Something that helps a lot is if you’re in a situation where you feel like you’re being mentally or emotionally abused or your kids are if you’re able to get out and get some sort of help. There are plenty of shelters around that have resources that can get you in with a counselor who can, one, first and foremost help you deal with what you’ve been going through, but two, also provide very credible testimony to describe the impacts of the mental emotional abuse that have been playing out on you and on your children.
Even though you can’t see it like you can see a bruise, it doesn’t mean that it’s not there. It is absolutely real and you need to, we need to figure out ways to show that. Getting with, getting some professional help is a great way. Recordings of conversations where it was just a knock-down drag-out fight and the abuser is going off on you or going off on the kids can also provide valuable evidence.
Take Action Today – Schedule a Low-Cost Initial Strategy Session
If you have questions about this or if you feel like you may be in a situation like this or someone you know may be in a situation like this, please do not hesitate to reach out to a Tulsa attorney. Go to MakeLawEasy.com or call a Tulsa child custody lawyer at 918-879-1681 to schedule a low-cost initial strategy session. I’m with Wirth Law Office, and I’d really like to help you if you’re in this situation. Thank you.
