Q: I want to divorce my husband because of constant domestic violence. But I have no money. I live with him as if in slaver
I want to divorce my husband because of constant domestic violence. But I have no money. I live with him as if in slavery in constant fear. I don't know what to do. I have a temporary green card. because of my temporary green card he thinks that I am not a person and he can do whatever he wants
Hercules, CA
A:
I'm so sorry to hear about your situation. You deserve to feel safe and live free from fear, and there are options available to help you. In California, you can file for divorce even if you have limited financial resources, and domestic violence is a serious concern that the court will take into account. You may also qualify for a restraining order to protect yourself from your husband during the divorce process.
Since you have a temporary green card, you may still be able to stay in the U.S. without relying on your husband. There are legal protections for immigrants who are victims of domestic violence, such as the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which allows you to self-petition for permanent residency without your husband's involvement. You don't have to remain in the relationship out of fear for your immigration status.
Consider reaching out to local domestic violence organizations in your area. They can often provide free legal assistance, resources, and a safe place to stay. It’s important to take steps to protect your safety, so please don't hesitate to ask for help from the available services.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
