What is Cruel and Abusive Treatment?
Cruel and abusive treatment is considered a fault-based grounds for divorce. Usually, it can be proven with just the testimony of the abused spouse. There must be a certain degree of severity, however, if you intend to use this grounds for divorce. Arguments and disagreements may not be severe enough, in some cases, to use cruel and abusive treatment as grounds for divorce.
What are the Requirements for a Divorce on the Grounds of Cruel and Abusive Treatment?
There are a number of reasons why a spouse may file for divorce on the basis of cruel and abusive treatment. The spouse may have been victim to a pattern of bad behavior that is intentional and malicious. It usually causes physical or mental injury, pains & suffering. Some instances of cruel and abusive treatment can include, but are not limited to:
- Demands from the other spouse that adversely affects the spouse’s health and/or well-being;
- Frequent name calling to the spouse or about the spouse to the children or family member;
- Physical abuse; and/or
- Instilling a reasonable fear of being injured through abusive treatment.
If you are a victim of cruel and abusive treatment in your marriage, and are considering divorce, you may want to seek the help of an experienced divorce attorney.
Contact the Law Offices of Cynthia L. Hanley, P.C. to schedule your consultation.
